Edmundo Bal, the former deputy and spokesperson for Ciudadanos, made quite the splash during his surprise appearance on the popular TV program La Revuelta on February 18, 2025. The unexpected visit didn't go unnoticed by host David Broncano, who is known for his humorous interactions with the audience. Seated among the viewers at the Teatro Príncipe, Bal's presence sparked a lively dialogue between him and Broncano, blending comedic twists with sharp observations about the state of his former political party.
Bal, who left his position as deputy in 2023, did not shy away from sharing insights about his political past. During the audience interaction segment, Broncano jokingly misidentified Bal, questioning whether he was from UPyD, to which Bal quickly clarified: “No, I was from Ciudadanos.” Bal's engagement with the mic turned the atmosphere light-hearted, as he admitted, “You give me a microphone, and I won’t stop.” Broncano humorously quipped about the tendency of politicians to dominate conversations, setting the stage for Bal’s reflections.
Transitioning from political discourse, Bal explained his current profession as an attorney, stating, “I am now a state lawyer. We are the lawyers for Spanish public television.” His tone shifted as the conversation turned to his exit from Ciudadanos, where he shared, “I was expelled for being too much of a rebel.” He pointed out the secretary general responsible for his expulsion, Adrián Vázquez, who has since joined the Popular Party, enriching the conversation with personal anecdotes from his political career.
The light-hearted banter continued as Broncano probed about the current existence of Ciudadanos, humorously likening its operational status to “a neighborhood association.” Bal confirmed there is still “some money left,” emphasizing the party's current inactivity during elections. “They still exist, but they are not standing for elections. It’s like they are gathering for community activities,” he joked, providing insight laced with sarcasm about the party's standing.
Broncano capitalized on Bal's commentary, saying, “Ciudadanos is like the parking lot at Fabrik,” eliciting laughter from the audience and Bal alike. This repartee highlighted the absurdity perceived by both men concerning the dwindling political relevance of Ciudadanos.
When questioned about his relationships with former party members, Bal mentioned his occasional meetings with Albert Rivera, now the president of a business club, but revealed he had not kept up with others like Juan Carlos Girauta. Bal’s comments added to the narrative of political friends losing touch after exiting the active scene.
Wrapping up the chat, Broncano teasingly repeated, “So, are you guys threatening to run for anything again?” Bal affirmed, “I’m not threatening anyone. I’m not getting back to politics,” reflecting his clear departure from his previous role as a politician.
Overall, Bal’s appearance on La Revuelta was not only entertaining but also served to provide viewers with both comedic relief and thoughtful commentary about his experience within Ciudadanos. The mixture of humor combined with more serious reflections made for captivating television, illustrating how past political figures can re-emerge, not as contenders for power but as engaging personalities willing to reflect on their experiences.
Edmundo Bal's transition from politics to law showcases his ability to pivot his career, yet it is clear he carries the lessons of his past with humor and insight, making him an engaging figure even outside the political arena.