SpainOwnership & classification
Founded: 2001
Ownership
El Confidencial is a Spanish digital-native news site founded in 2001 by José Antonio Sánchez ('Totoyo') and Jesús Cacho (director until 2011). It is published by Titania Compañía Editorial, S.L., in which José Antonio Sánchez is the largest shareholder, controlling around 43% via the holding AVEMA XXI 2 SL, with Juan Perea Sáenz de Buruaga holding roughly 15%.
Funding
Financed through online advertising plus a digital subscription/membership model, which grew rapidly after its 2020 launch; it is commercially run with no state or party financing.
Affiliation & stance
Privately and commercially owned by its founder-led publishing company with no party, church or state control, which is why it is INDEPENDENT. It is known for business and investigative reporting and sits broadly in the center of the Spanish political spectrum.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 214
66/100
Factual
59/100
Objective
292
Articles
287
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
The philosopher of machines: "Whether a friend is artificial or biological is, after all, secondary"
The article discusses French philosopher Dominique Lestel's book 'Las máquinas insurreccionales,' which explores the blurring boundaries between life and machines. Using the example of a Buddhist monk performing a funeral for 114 deceased Sony Aibo robots, Lestel argues that machines can develop a form of 'insurrectional' existence by creating friction with humans and challenging traditional notions of life. The concept of 'insurrección' is redefined not as rebellion but as a process through which machines gain a status akin to living beings. The text highlights how modern technology has shifted from mere usage to cohabitation, requiring ongoing negotiation between humans and machines.
RTVE's top political command multiplies its salary by 20 in two years
The article reports that high-ranking political officials at RTVE, Spain's public broadcasting corporation, have seen their salaries increase by a factor of 20 over the course of two years. This significant rise in compensation has sparked controversy and criticism, particularly regarding the transparency and justification of such substantial pay increases within a publicly funded institution. The piece highlights concerns about potential mismanagement or lack of accountability in the governance of RTVE, which is responsible for overseeing Spain’s state-run television and radio networks. The report does not provide specific figures or detailed explanations for the salary hikes but emphasizes the disparity between these earnings and those of other public sector employees.
Morocco asks Spain to return the migrants who crossed into Ceuta as well as the dead
The Moroccan Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, has requested Spain to repatriate migrants who crossed into Ceuta since July 30th, along with the remains of those who drowned during their attempt to swim through the Tarajal border crossing. In an interview with Al Arabiya, Ouahbi called for an agreement to return both survivors and deceased individuals, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach to migration between the two countries. He criticized Spain for not informing Morocco about the number of fatalities and insisted that unidentified bodies cannot be transferred without prior information and bilateral agreements. Additionally, Ouahbi reiterated Morocco’s historical and geographical claim over Ceuta and Melilla, accusing Spain of facilitating migration through campaigns encouraging young people to make the journey. The Spanish government rejected these claims, asserting that Ceuta and Melilla are part of Spain’s territorial integrity and EU membership. As of now, 18 immigrants have been buried in Ceuta’s Muslim cemetery, three weeks after a border crisis that resulted in dozens of deaths during a mass influx of over 72,000 people.
The trail of terror of the candy store run by a sexual predator
A small candy shop in the Amara neighborhood of San Sebastián has become the center of a concerning investigation by the Ertzaintza police force after one of its employees was detained for allegedly assaulting dozens of minors. The suspect, who is described as a predator, began his alleged criminal activities in 2020 at the age of 17. Investigators are now seeking more testimony from potential victims and suggest the perpetrator may have committed these crimes outside the store as well, according to sources cited by ABC.
Putting Yourself in Another's Place
The article discusses various political issues across different countries. In Spain, Feijóo argues that the Law of the Minor cannot apply to children in Ceuta because they 'participated in an invasion,' suggesting they are responsible for entering another country illegally. This stance contrasts with Teresa Rodríguez’s perspective, who highlights the institutionalized racism against 500 Moroccan girls compared to the 350,000 Ukrainian children welcomed into Spain. The article also notes the rise of far-right parties in Israel, including the potential threat to Benjamin Netanyahu’s power. Additionally, it mentions Israeli Minister Ben Gvir announcing plans for an execution facility for Palestinians under a death penalty law. Other topics include election controversies in Colombia and Argentina, where Milei blames feminists for societal issues, and regional politics in Spain involving Ayuso appointing former politicians to advisory roles with significant financial benefits.
Joaquín, a garbage collector in Australia: "I do all the 'breaks' I want and I enjoy incredible views along the way"
The article discusses Joaquín, who works as a garbage collector in Australia, sharing his experience of having the freedom to take breaks whenever he wants and enjoying the beautiful views along his route. He highlights the flexibility of his work schedule and the scenic aspects of his daily commute. The piece appears to focus on personal anecdotes rather than broader societal issues, offering insight into the working conditions and lifestyle of someone in this particular profession.
"It is no accident that we still have it": the centuries-old legacy that keeps the Alhambra standing
The article titled 'No por casualidad la tenemos todavía': la herencia de siglos que mantiene en pie a la Alhambra discusses the historical legacy that has preserved the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Granada, Spain. It highlights the centuries-old efforts by various rulers and cultural institutions to maintain and protect this architectural masterpiece. The piece emphasizes the significance of the Alhambra’s preservation as a symbol of Spanish heritage and its continued relevance in contemporary society. While the article does not present any overt political stance, it underscores the importance of cultural conservation and the role of historical continuity in maintaining national identity.
The Granada earthquake has already left almost a hundred aftershocks, 13 of them felt by the population
A magnitude 5 earthquake struck near Granada early this morning, triggering a sequence of 98 aftershocks, 13 of which were felt by the population. The largest aftershock measured 3.3 and occurred approximately five hours after the main quake, with its epicenter northeast of Alhendín, about eight kilometers southwest of Granada. All subsequent movements occurred at depths under 10 kilometers within a region identified by the National Geographic Institute (IGN) as highly active and hazardous for seismic activity. The tremors were felt across much of central and eastern Andalusia, as well as parts of Murcia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Madrid. Over 10,000 reports received by the agency indicated non-structural damage and falling objects in the affected area. This event fits within the typical seismic activity of the Granada basin, though historical records show the region has experienced destructive earthquakes in the past, such as the 1884 Arenas del Rey earthquake estimated at 9-10 on the intensity scale and another in 1431 with an intensity of 8-9. The most recent significant seismic episode occurred between December 2020 and August 2021 in Santa Fe and Atarfe, involving over 3,000 quu
Zulia Frost, clinical doctor: "Micro-walks are especially effective for sedentary people, as they offer an accessible way to reintroduce movement"
The article features Dr. Zulia Frost, a clinical doctor, who discusses the effectiveness of 'micropaseos', short, frequent walks, for sedentary individuals. She highlights that these short walks provide an accessible way to reintroduce physical activity into daily routines. The piece focuses on health benefits and encourages movement as a practical solution for those with limited mobility or time. No specific data or studies are cited, but the emphasis is on the accessibility and ease of incorporating small movements into everyday life.
The U.S. makes a plasma gun that can clean clothes without water.
The article reports that the United States has developed a plasma gun capable of cleaning clothes without water, highlighting its potential significance for space exploration, particularly in advancing efforts to reach Mars. The piece emphasizes the innovative nature of the technology and its implications for future missions, suggesting it could represent a step forward in sustainable and efficient methods for extraterrestrial environments.
Jacques Cousteau, oceanographer: "The happiness of the bee and the dolphin is to exist; that of man is to discover this and marvel at it"
The article quotes Jacques Cousteau, a renowned oceanographer, reflecting on the concept of happiness. According to Cousteau, the happiness of bees and dolphins lies simply in existing, while human happiness involves discovering this truth and being amazed by it. The quote emphasizes a philosophical perspective on life and nature, highlighting the contrast between animal existence and human perception. It suggests that humans find joy in understanding and appreciating the natural world, rather than merely existing. This reflection aligns with Cousteau’s broader environmental philosophy and his contributions to marine exploration.
The battle of agencies between Ukraine and the United States
The article discusses the internal struggle between Ukraine and the United States over intelligence agencies and anti-corruption efforts, highlighting the political tensions involving President Zelenskyy. It traces the strained relationship between the U.S. under Donald Trump and Ukraine, noting how Trump sought to leverage his influence to pressure Kyiv into concessions during the war. The narrative covers Trump’s belief that shifting U.S. support could force Ukraine to negotiate with Russia, but this strategy failed due to Ukraine's resistance and the involvement of European allies who facilitated continued military aid. The piece outlines how Trump attempted to use diplomatic pressure to achieve specific outcomes, though these efforts ultimately faced setbacks.
Ayuso appoints Gallardón, Aguirre and Cifuentes for a consulting position for which they opt to charge tens of thousands of euros a year
The article reports that former Madrid regional leaders Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, Esperanza Aguirre, and Cristina Cifuentes have been appointed as 'vocales electivos' to the Madrid Community's Legal Advisory Commission by Governor Isabel Díaz Ayuso. These appointments allow them to potentially earn up to €33,750 annually if they attend all meetings, which pay €750 per session. The decision was made after the approval of a statute for former presidents in 2025, allowing them to receive compensation for their participation. Previously, such payments were suspended since 2015 when Cifuentes dissolved the advisory council. The initial proposal suggested lower payments, but the final amount was increased by 63%. The article notes that this arrangement is limited to six years, extendable to twelve for those who served over four years.