Veteran Spanish journalist and writer Alfonso Ussía — known for his sharp satire, incisive social commentary and more than four decades shaping Spain’s public discourse — has died at age 77.
Born in Madrid in 1948, Ussía rose from writing satirical poetry to becoming one of Spain’s most recognizable voices in newspapers such as ABC, Diario 16, La Razón, and later El Debate — the media outlet where he still contributed at the time of his passing.
Over his lengthy career, he authored more than 40 books, created iconic satirical characters like the “marqués de Sotoancho,” and gave voice to a style that blended biting wit with classical humor.
His passing marks the loss of a voice that never shied away from controversy or candid critique — a columnist who turned satire into an art form and left an indelible mark on Spanish letters and media. Tributes are pouring in from colleagues, readers, and institutions alike, many calling his death “the end of an era.”
He died in Ruiloba, Cantabria, on December 5, 2025.