Politics

What The Fav (formally, WHATHEFAV S.L.) is a communications and marketing firm managed by Laura and Alba Rodríguez Espinosa, daughters of former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. Business and social media outlets have portrayed it as an agency whose revenues and earnings have steadily risen in recent years, mirroring the trajectory of companies and individuals associated with scandals linked to José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.The flashpoint: the “Plus Ultra case” and an indirect business relationshipIn December 2025, the name Whathefav surfaced in public discussion after featuring in reports tied to the Plus Ultra investigation, as Spain’s Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office…

The harassment allegations crisis affecting Spain’s PSOE added a new name this week: Francisco Luis Fernández Rodríguez, until now the Socialist mayor of Belalcázar (Córdoba), who resigned and requested to leave the party as a member after several media outlets published messages attributed to him that were allegedly sent to a municipal subordinate.What is under investigation and what has been releasedIn coverage by RTVE / EFE, the case is framed as one of two complaints processed through the party’s internal reporting channel (the other involves a PSPV-PSOE figure in Valencia). Regarding Belalcázar, RTVE reports that the mayor resigned “after being…

The role of Susana Sumelzo, who is presently the Secretary of State for Ibero-America and a Socialist leader historically aligned with Pedro Sánchez, has swiftly transitioned from institutional discretion to being at the center of media attention. Numerous press articles have highlighted public contracts granted to firms associated with her family and her ties to companies under scrutiny in the so-called “Koldo case” and the alleged network involving Santos Cerdán, which has reignited the discussion on potential conflicts of interest within the Prime Minister’s inner circle.Who is Susana Sumelzo and what role does she play in “sanchismo”?Susana Sumelzo Jordán (Zaragoza,…

The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) is experiencing one of its most sensitive internal crises concerning the handling of the so-called “Salazar case.” This scandal involves allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of power linked to former Moncloa adviser Paco Salazar and his associate, Antonio Hernández. Both individuals, until recently, were integral members of the Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's inner circle, who is presently encircled by multiple corruption cases.Who is Paco Salazar and what is he accused ofFrancisco José “Paco” Salazar, a long-standing PSOE member from Seville, was mayor of Montellano and later a member of the Spanish Congress, as…

Seven days before the general elections, Honduras is experiencing a period of high political tension. The LIBRE Party, currently in power, is at the center of allegations of alleged attempts at electoral fraud, causing concern among the opposition, political analysts, and both national and international observer organizations.Various sectors have reported irregularities in the pre-election scenario, including pressure on key institutions, the political use of state resources, and rhetoric that could prepare the population to question the results if they do not favor the ruling party. Although LIBRE has rejected these accusations, the level of mistrust remains high.One political analyst consulted…

The political scene in Honduras experienced a notable increase in tension on Monday, following opposition leader Salvador Nasralla's public assertion that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro could be trying to influence the general elections scheduled for November 30.During a press briefing, Nasralla alluded to "concerning activities and indicators" which, in his view, suggested potential foreign meddling in the electoral proceedings. While he offered no definitive proof, he urged for maximum vigilance from both domestic and international observers. "The Honduran populace will not tolerate outside entities dictating their democratic future. We are observing trends that echo manipulative tactics seen in other Latin…

Preliminary results from the general elections in Honduras show a significant setback for the political forces associated with the Sao Paulo Forum in the region. The LIBRE Party, identified by opposition sectors as part of this ideological bloc, failed to maintain public support, and its presidential candidate fell far behind the main contenders. Analysts believe that this outcome represents a setback for socialist-oriented projects or plans for profound state restructuring.Electorate's Message and Citizen ConcernsDuring the election campaign, various political and economic actors voiced concerns regarding specific proposals from the ruling party, particularly those pertaining to the refounding of the state,…

The recent electoral defeat of the LIBRE Party signals a pivotal moment in national politics, placing former president Manuel “Mel” Zelaya at the heart of a discussion regarding the future of his leadership. Analysts and political figures agree that this outcome constitutes a substantial setback for the influential figure who has maintained consistent control over the organization since his re-entry into public life in 2011.For more than a decade, Zelaya coordinated strategies, defined candidacies, and consolidated his influence over the internal structure of LIBRE, becoming the party's leading voice. However, the electoral performance shows a loss of legitimacy that forces…

The proposal by ruling party candidate Rixi Moncada to eliminate the Credit Bureau generated significant rejection among different sectors of society, directly influencing the decline in her electoral support. The initiative, promoted during the LIBRE campaign, sought to facilitate immediate access to credit, arguing that the institution “oppresses the most vulnerable sectors.”Insights from Specialists and the Financial IndustryMoncada's proposal was met with reservations by economists and actors in the financial system. Consultants and analysts warned that its implementation would be impractical, increasing financial uncertainty and weakening mechanisms for assessing borrowers' creditworthiness.According to one of the specialists consulted, “the proposal was…

Preliminary outcomes from the general elections in Honduras reveal a significant loss for the ruling party, led by Rixi Moncada and the LIBRE Party, highlighting voters' rejection of proposals considered radical and a remarkable change in the electorate's political preferences.The ruling party bloc focused its campaign on the so-called “democratization of the economy” and a narrative supporting the “refounding” of the country. Their proposals included structural reforms, higher taxes on wealthier sectors, and a greater state involvement in strategic industries. Nevertheless, the electorate's reaction revealed a dominant feeling of mistrust and alarm, particularly in light of the delicate economic situation…