Glossary · M
Media manipulation
Deliberate use of media to distort public opinion. A common accusation between government and opposition over RTVE, La Sexta, OK Diario or The Objective.
MAR
Initials of Miguel Ángel Rodríguez. Journalistic nickname dating from his time as Aznar's government spokesperson (1996-1998) and revived as Isabel Díaz Ayuso's chief of staff since 2020, synonymous with the confrontational, polarizing style of Madrid's political communication.
Citizen tides (mareas)
Colour-coded social movements that emerged around 2012-2015 against austerity (white tide-healthcare, green-education, orange-social services). Forerunner of 15M and the birth of Podemos.
Masks case
Name under which the part of the Koldo case judged by the Supreme Court starting in 2026 is known: against José Luis Ábalos, his adviser Koldo García and the businessman Víctor de Aldama for alleged kickbacks on health-supply contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sufficient majority
Support needed for a candidate to be invested on the second vote: more yeses than nos (simple majority). Used when the absolute majority is not reached on the first ballot.
Political marketing
Set of communication, branding and electoral-segmentation techniques applied to campaigns. Iván Redondo, Sánchez's adviser (2018-2021), is a reference for the professional approach in Spain.
Dialogue table (Spain-Catalonia)
Negotiation forum between the central government and the Catalan Govern over the Catalan political conflict, in operation since 2020. Its progress has been limited but it has facilitated parliamentary pacts.
El Muro (the wall)
Term used by Pedro Sánchez in 2024 to describe the front of media and judicial opposition against him. The metaphor unleashed strong controversy and a response from the right and the press.