Iván Redondo, Spain’s former chief of staff, discussed corruption, his relationship with Pedro Sánchez and the health condition that led him to leave Moncloa in an interview this week on TVE’s 'Plano General', hosted by Jenaro Castro.
When asked about corruption, Redondo called the cases “cuitas” and told the prime minister to focus on “democratic cleansing, budgets and elections.” The day before the interview, he appeared on RTVE's '24 horas' and criticized the government's handling of the Ceuta crisis. He said “reflexes were lacking” and suggested the situation could be resolved by year-end.
Redondo said he left Moncloa because of a congenital heart condition that required surgery, not because of a political plot. He described his relationship with Pedro Sánchez as “sacred.”
Redondo brushed off the “Rasputín” nickname, saying his real passion is “having the office in the street so I don’t bunker myself in.” He said he wants to stay close to people rather than hide in power. He has worked for both PSOE and PP and served as chief of staff to José Antonio Monago in Extremadura.
On strategy, Redondo said: “La Moncloa is not won with ‘cuitas’ but by organizing the idea of Spain.” He made the remark before the Ceuta crisis and said he believes in strategy over simply reacting to problems. On the monarchy, he said: “King Juan Carlos is not my king.” He supports “democratic socialism” to keep authoritarianism at bay.
RTVE and El Debate reported that Redondo's call for 'democratic cleansing, budgets and elections' has intensified debate about leadership in Moncloa and the PSOE's direction under Pedro Sánchez. His remarks have been widely cited in the Spanish press, renewing discussion of institutional reform and political transparency.
'Plano General' also included questions about Redondo’s life, a quick-fire segment on current affairs and a handwritten note he left as his signature. Jordi Juan, director of 'La Vanguardia', joined the interview.
The interview aired amid scrutiny of Spanish politics and debate over integrity and leadership. Redondo’s calls for transparency and reform echo demands for change elsewhere, including the recent previously reported investment in Catalonia’s public infrastructure.
Redondo’s remarks were broadcast on La 2, then La 1, Canal 24 horas and TVE Internacional.
