Pedro Sánchez is once again the talk of the Spanish media—this time, over a video marking the two-year anniversary of his latest inauguration. The president chose an unusual setting to address the nation: in the footage, he sits at a desk inexplicably placed in the middle of a manicured garden. This choice of location immediately became a target of irony for Carlos Alsina, who devoted an entire monologue to it.
The host pointed out how unnatural the scene looked: the desk, neatly positioned on the lawn, resembled a stage prop more than part of the prime minister’s daily routine. Alsina suggested that the intent was to make the president appear more relatable, but instead, it only highlighted the artificiality of his image. In his view, this attempt to ‘humanize’ the country’s leader had backfired.
In the video itself, Sánchez highlights his cabinet’s achievements, claiming that for two years his team has worked for the interests of ordinary Spaniards and tirelessly aimed to improve their lives. The president also assured viewers of his intention to serve out his full term. However, Alsina noted that this celebratory rhetoric coincided with two awkward anniversaries for the government: not just the anniversary of Sánchez’s election, but also the date of Franco’s exhumation. According to the journalist, these events made headlines not so much because of their timing, but due to Sánchez’s own efforts.
Parliamentary compromises and sharp remarks
A key part of the monologue was devoted to reflections on the political alliances that allowed the Socialists to remain in power. Alsina recalled the decisive role played by the votes of Carles Puigdemont’s supporters in forming the majority. He noted that these agreements were accompanied by the adoption of the amnesty law and helped avoid new elections, which could have reshaped the country’s political landscape. The host couldn’t resist making sarcastic remarks about the Junts party, ironically calling it the ‘beacon of progress’ and mentioning Míriam Nogueras, who, according to him, often expresses anti-Spanish sentiments.
Whom the president failed to mention
Alsina also pointed out those whom Sánchez chose not to name in his address. Notably absent were the names of the popular singer Rosalía, Nogueras herself, and, most strikingly, Santos Cerdán. According to the journalist, the latter played a key role in the political framework of recent years but remained in the shadows, even though his name now figures in high-profile investigations. Alsina called Cerdán the ‘chief engineer’ of the current legislature and expressed surprise that the president did not acknowledge his contributions, especially given the recent news of possible corruption schemes.
Irony and questions for those in power
In conclusion, Alsina suggested that the president once again take the desk outdoors and comment on the latest revelations related to Serdán’s activities. According to the investigation, he allegedly led a group that received commissions from government contracts. The journalist summed up that, if these reports are to be believed, Serdán turned out to be the main beneficiary over the past two years, until he became the subject of an investigation.
Sánchez’s video, intended as a symbol of openness and closeness to the people, produced the opposite effect: instead of building trust, it raised questions about the authenticity of his image and the actual achievements of the government. The unusual garden desk quickly became a new meme discussed across Spanish society.
