Sánchez appears on TVE and La Sexta: Interrogation or rubber stamp?

Sánchez faces Cintora and Wyoming: Tough questions or red carpet?

What can be expected from an interview when the interviewer has been identified as being aligned with the government? The question is not rhetorical: Pedro Sánchez undertakes two television interviews this week, one on TVE with Jesús Cintora and Esther Palomera, and another on El Intermedio with Wyoming. Expectations are high, but so is the skepticism.

The dossier that changes everything

The context could not be more awkward. The Ministry of the Interior, led by Fernando Grande-Marlaska, compiled a secret dossier containing dozens of profiles on active journalists, classified according to their political affiliation. The document, dated September 8th, includes comments regarding the professionals' affinity for the government. Among those mentioned are executives from journalistic associations. The coincidence of dates with the scheduled interviews is not unnoticed.

Interrogation or massage?

The general perception is that these interviews will be anything but uncomfortable. Comments on social media and forums suggest that the interviewers, far from practicing critical journalism, will offer favorable treatment. The irony is rampant: they speak of "massages" and "knee pads" to describe the predictable tone of the questions. But beyond the mockery, there is a serious underlying issue: the independence of the media, which presents itself as "rigorous and objective," comes into question when its professionals are linked to power.

If the grilling is as tough as promised, perhaps Sánchez should schedule a dental appointment with Wyoming. But if Marlaska's dossier is what it seems, the only thing that will be torn apart is journalism.