'El País', Ábalos and saving the unsalvageable

The (provisional) imprisonment of the former minister complicates matters for Sánchez, and right-wing newspapers are seizing the opportunity to put the Socialist president's name in their headlines, as if he were the one behind bars: "The heart of Sánchez's movement continues to go to prison," reads the headline ofThe WorldIn cases like this, it's amusing to see the reaction of media outlets that have traditionally supported the PSOE. This is the case with...The CountryOn the front page, the surname Sánchez didn't appear in the headline or any of the three subheadings. His status as a former official was emphasized: he was referred to as a "former minister" and a "former Socialist leader" to try to convey the idea that Sánchez is quick to detect and eject the rotten apples from the basket. There are some cheeky pieces, like this headline: "How many former ministers from the PSOE and the PP have gone to prison?" It's one way among many of bringing Rodrigo Rato or Jaume Matas into the spotlight to try to dilute the fetid schemes of the friendly party in a thin, watered-down soup of general systemic corruption. This piece, by the way, reminds readers that Aznar pardoned José Barrionuevo barely two months after he went to jail. Perhaps it's necessary to return the favor?

In its editorial, the Prisa newspaper admits that "the government is starting to run out of steam," but beyond demanding "comprehensive explanations" and "a realistic roadmap," it merely offers a hope that "swift action by the justice system will help clear the air." It even dares to suggest a degree of lawfare, implying that "pre-trial detention is a very serious and difficult-to-understand measure in cases of non-violent offenses." There's nothing like a blanket about to be lifted and reveal the rot beneath to stir pity for the poor prisoners—and they are indeed poor, given that the judge describes their flight risk as "extreme."