Independent Gibraltar politics and current affairs
The Detail is (always) in the Devil
Francisco Oliva examines the politics, culture and public debates shaping Gibraltar, challenging established narratives and asking the questions others may avoid.
Questioning the narrative.
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Latest episode
Episode 6
And the Frontier Came Tumbling Down
28 August 2026 · Duration 29:04
Francisco considers how the frontier shaped Gibraltar's political and social reality for generations, what its removal may mean for the future, and how a period of profound change could affect identity and attitudes towards British sovereignty.
Original music by Darius Oliva.
More episodes
Episode 4 ·
Duration 20:08
Blackout Blues
Francisco examines Gibraltar's recurring power cuts and the issues surrounding them.
Episode 2 ·
Duration 21:29
The Oppenshaw Report, a Government of Unity and the Limits of Party Politics
Francisco examines the Oppenshaw Report, the case for a Government of Unity, and whether party politics continues to serve Gibraltar's public interest.
Politics, culture and the questions behind the headlines
The Detail is (always) in the Devil is an independent Gibraltar politics and current affairs podcast presented by Francisco Oliva.
Drawing on more than four decades following politics in Gibraltar and beyond, Francisco looks beyond the official account to examine the decisions, institutions and ideas shaping public life. Episodes explore politics, identity, sovereignty, policing, media, education, culture and language from a personal and independent perspective.
Nothing is accepted simply because it is familiar. The aim is to test the narrative, add context and encourage a more open public conversation.
The views expressed in the podcast and on this website are Francisco Oliva's personal views. He represents no political party, organisation or third party unless explicitly stated.
About Francisco Oliva
Francisco Oliva is a Gibraltar-born writer, journalist and political analyst. After training as a professional journalist in the United Kingdom, he joined the Gibraltar Chronicle in 1984 and later served as News Editor. He has also written for local, Spanish and UK publications and worked as a political and music correspondent.
His work spans politics, fiction, poetry, memoir and rock 'n' roll. He has published six books and is the founding editor of the local rock 'n' roll publication Interstellar Supersonic Overdrive Quarterly.
Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Francisco brings a long view of Gibraltar's politics, culture and public life to every episode.
Published works
- The Frontiers of Doubt
- The Night Gibraltar Disappeared & Other Stories
- Imaginary Death of a European Poet
- Poemario Gris Dorado
- Panic and Pleasure in the Streets of Gibraltar
- El Niño de la Verja: un llanito en La Línea de la Concepción
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