After four years of research and over 180 interviews, journalist David Fernández, currently with Infobae, has released 'Ayuso, Stumbles, Intrigues, and Vengeances in the Court of Madrid'. The work offers a radiography of Madrid's politics centered on the figure of President Isabel Díaz Ayuso and her close circle, highlighting the influence of her advisor Miguel Ángel Rodríguez.
Fernández explains that initial journalistic curiosity evolved into a book that aims to construct a character based on testimonies from those who have known her. "Many people told me I was crazy for wanting to write about Ayuso," confesses the author, noting that many interviewees prefer to remain anonymous for fear of professional repercussions.
The book is not presented as a direct criticism of Ayuso, but rather as an analysis of the "ecosystem of the PP of Madrid" and the "miseries that surround politics." The author, who previously worked at the Municipal Housing and Land Company (EMVS), provides "privileged day-to-day information" unknown to the general public.
Regarding the president's recent trip to Mexico, Fernández believes Ayuso "measures everything" for her "national ambition," using controversy to position herself internationally. "She knows what to say, she knows she's going to stir things up, she knows there will be a reaction," he states, attributing her success to a strategy of "simple populist messages" and victimhood.
Concerning her aspirations to reach La Moncloa, the journalist suggests that Ayuso might be hindered by rivals like Pedro Sánchez and Alberto Núñez Feijóo. "When the latter reaches La Moncloa, which he will, he can open the government advertising tap," which could "balance internal power" and lead to "not seeing such a comfortable Ayuso, with such docile media."
Fernández details how "luck" has been key to Ayuso's rise within the PP, from her affiliation in Moncloa to her placement at Madrid Network and her subsequent candidacy. "She is not a particularly educated person, but she is hardworking," he notes, adding that the arrival of Miguel Ángel Rodríguez marked a turning point, implementing a "very good political confrontation strategy."
The relationship between Ayuso and Rodríguez is described as very close, "thick as thieves," although Fernández insists that the president is "very impressionable and very manipulable." "Anyone who says Miguel Ángel Rodríguez doesn't control her completely is lying," he asserts.
Ideologically, Ayuso is described as a "chameleon" and a "survivor," capable of adapting to circumstances, from progressive positions in her youth to supporting "the Jewish lobby and Donald Trump" to compete with Vox. The author compares her lack of principles to that of José Luis Almeida, according to an anecdote from Esperanza Aguirre.
The book also suggests that Ayuso has learned from the mistakes of her predecessors, such as Cristina Cifuentes, avoiding "friendly fire" and pressure from certain media and businessmen. "We won't mess with these," the president reportedly decided.
Regarding the fiscal case affecting Ayuso's partner, the journalist doubts it will affect her, recalling similar cases of her father and brother that did not result in convictions. "If Ayuso runs over a child on Gran Vía tomorrow, it will be the child's fault," quotes a PP colleague, illustrating that "these practices do not have repercussions among traditional right-wing voters."
David Fernández rules out a second part of the book, stating that "I have no personal fixation with Ayuso" and that he is now "involved in other research projects that have nothing to do with politics."
