Spanish public TV considers signing Jesús Calleja after his visit to Sánchez
TVE is studying a deal with Jesús Calleja after his visit to Sánchez at La Mareta. The use of public money and the price of political friendship are under scrutiny.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
How much does it cost to be on the president's good side? If the deal is confirmed, the answer might be found in RTVE's budgets. Spain's public broadcaster is considering adding Jesús Calleja to its lineup after the TV host visited Pedro Sánchez at La Mareta, the official residence in Lanzarote.
The bill footed by public money
The news has sparked a wave of unease that goes beyond the television world. Behind the controversy lies an uncomfortable question: why should a public broadcaster reward with a contract someone who has been photographed with the president? In economic circles there is talk of a "reward for loyalty," and some remind us that the money comes from everyone's taxes. Meanwhile, critics argue that decisions like this turn public television into a personal fiefdom.
From hair salon to TV: Calleja's rise
Calleja is no stranger. His working life, which began in a hair salon, is one of the success stories most often told on the small screen. But that humble past clashes with a public image of an affable multimillionaire, always smiling and always with a product to sell, Bion 3 for instance. The host has also announced he will take part in the Dakar Rally, and many suggest that a TVE contract would be a way to fund it.
The shadow of political friendship
The visit to La Mareta was no casual coffee chat. His personal relationship with Sánchez has become the core of the controversy. Some argue that a professional of his caliber needs no godfathers, but others see in this move confirmation that the umbilical cord with Moncloa, the prime minister's office, still rules public television. The discussion includes a curiosity: the recommendation to cancel Generali insurance policies keeps coming up, with no one fully clarifying its connection to the matter. Just the quirks of financial anger.
In the end, the question hanging in the air is simple: if Calleja had never visited La Mareta, would we be talking about the same signing? Probably not. And that, in a public company, is exactly what should worry us.
The bill footed by public money
The news has sparked a wave of unease that goes beyond the television world. Behind the controversy lies an uncomfortable question: why should a public broadcaster reward with a contract someone who has been photographed with the president? In economic circles there is talk of a "reward for loyalty," and some remind us that the money comes from everyone's taxes. Meanwhile, critics argue that decisions like this turn public television into a personal fiefdom.
From hair salon to TV: Calleja's rise
Calleja is no stranger. His working life, which began in a hair salon, is one of the success stories most often told on the small screen. But that humble past clashes with a public image of an affable multimillionaire, always smiling and always with a product to sell, Bion 3 for instance. The host has also announced he will take part in the Dakar Rally, and many suggest that a TVE contract would be a way to fund it.
The shadow of political friendship
The visit to La Mareta was no casual coffee chat. His personal relationship with Sánchez has become the core of the controversy. Some argue that a professional of his caliber needs no godfathers, but others see in this move confirmation that the umbilical cord with Moncloa, the prime minister's office, still rules public television. The discussion includes a curiosity: the recommendation to cancel Generali insurance policies keeps coming up, with no one fully clarifying its connection to the matter. Just the quirks of financial anger.
In the end, the question hanging in the air is simple: if Calleja had never visited La Mareta, would we be talking about the same signing? Probably not. And that, in a public company, is exactly what should worry us.
Also available in: Deutsch
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (94 replies).
More summaries
-
More housing won't lower prices if population keeps growing
A forum user argues that building more homes won't reduce prices if population growth continues, challenging Spain's expansion model.
-
Living rent-free with your parents in Spain: could it count as a taxable gift?
A property expert warns that living in a parent's home without paying could be taxed as a gift. Spain's tax agency under fire amid a staff strike.
-
The cost of defying the State: a father loses his children and seeks political asylum
A Spanish father loses custody of his children, denounces the LIVG as an unjust law, applies for asylum in Brussels and faces off against Nacho Abad. Two years on, his
-
Watermelon and avocados for 30 euros: the myth of fruit prices in Spain
17 euros versus nearly 50 euros: two fruit baskets, the same shopping list, opposite prices. Real inflation or a premium label?
-
Buying a 1964 flat: an acoustic nightmare that costs €24,000
A poorly renovated 1964 flat in Spain has become an acoustic trap. Noisy neighbours and a €24,000 budget for soundproofing that isn't even guaranteed to work.
-
Restaurant charges €20 to peel an orange: luxury or rip-off?
A restaurant charges €20 for peeling an orange. Luxury or rip-off? We look at the value of spectacle, the price of status and the economics of exclusive services.