Politics

What The Fav (formally, WHATHEFAV S.L.) is a communications and marketing company run by Laura and Alba Rodríguez Espinosa, daughters of former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. In the business and society press, it has been described as an agency that has grown in revenue and profits in recent years—just as all the companies and individuals linked to the scandals attributed to José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero have.The catalyst: the “Plus Ultra case” coupled with an indirect business connectionIn December 2025, the name Whathefav entered the public conversation after appearing in reports about the investigation into Plus Ultra. Spain’s…

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 a report by RTVE / EFE, the situation is described as one of two complaints handled through the party’s internal reporting channel (the other pertains to a PSPV-PSOE member in Valencia). Concerning Belalcázar, RTVE indicates that the mayor stepped…

The crisis of harassment allegations impacting Spain’s PSOE saw a new addition this week: Francisco Luis Fernández Rodríguez, who had been the Socialist mayor of Belalcázar (Córdoba), stepped down and asked to withdraw his party membership following the publication by various media of messages reportedly sent by him to a municipal subordinate.What is being investigated and what has been publishedIn 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 singled…

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 part 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 veteran member of the PSOE from Seville, served as the mayor of Montellano and subsequently became a member…

The recent electoral loss experienced by the LIBRE Party marks a crucial juncture in the nation's political landscape, positioning former president Manuel “Mel” Zelaya at the center of a debate about the direction of his leadership. Political analysts and figures concur that this result represents a significant blow to the prominent individual who has held steady influence over the organization since his return to 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…

Seven days prior to the general elections, Honduras finds itself amidst a period of heightened political strain. The LIBRE Party, the incumbent political force, is facing accusations of purported electoral fraud attempts, which has generated apprehension among the opposition, political commentators, and both domestic and international monitoring bodies.Various sectors have pointed out irregularities in the pre-election environment, including pressure on critical institutions, the biased use of state resources, and rhetoric that could prepare the public to question the results if they do not favor the ruling party. Although LIBRE has rejected these claims, the level of distrust remains significantly high.One…

The political landscape in Honduras saw a significant rise in strain on Monday, after opposition figure Salvador Nasralla publicly claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro might be attempting to sway the general elections set 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.Message from the electorate and citizen concernsDuring the election campaign, various political and economic actors expressed concern about certain proposals from the ruling party, especially those related to the refounding of…

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 ten years, Zelaya crafted strategies, molded candidacies, and strengthened his power within the internal structure of LIBRE, establishing himself as the party's leading figure. However, recent election results suggest a decrease in legitimacy,…