Imanol Arias has emerged as a prominent figure on Better Saturday this weekend, riding the wave of anticipation around the premiere of the final season of Cuéntame como vivir. The Spanish actor, who has also captivated audiences on stage with the revival of Death of a Salesman, sat down with Boris Izaguirre to discuss not only his expansive career in film, television, and theater but also a range of timely political and social issues that touch many lives in Spain and beyond.
During the conversation, the presenter pressed his guest on the sensitive and often debated topic of amnesty. Arias responded with measured candor, explaining that he has lived through multiple amnesty rounds, including the 1977 amnesty and the more recent tax amnesty that, in his view, benefits some groups more than others. He noted that the discussion around forgiveness is layered and personal, and he paused to reflect before offering his perspective on what forgiveness really means in the public arena.
The translator in the room echoed a pragmatic stance, suggesting that supporters deserve a clear, thoughtful explanation and that opponents deserve the same. Arias weighed in with a nuanced view, asking whether forgiveness is the central issue at hand. He argued that accountability and commitments carry weight, and that when a door closes, a new opportunity should open for the person who takes the first step toward restitution and integrity in their actions.
Arias did not shy away from addressing the controversy directly. He spoke about his past tax-related challenges, including a 2017 accusation of defrauding the treasury to the tune of several million euros. He clarified that the figure mentioned by authorities included fines, and emphasized that his situation was not about concealing money, but about how a tax payment was calculated according to a formula that did not seem to apply to his case. He stressed that the taxes were paid and that the financial penalties were settled as part of making things right, underscoring his belief that he accepts responsibility for the consequences of his actions even if he does not see himself as guilty of wrongdoing in the moral sense.
In recounting the episode, Arias stressed that he took care to fix the damage caused by the situation and to demonstrate that he respected the law. He pointed out that he never viewed himself as uniquely guilty, recognizing that others found themselves in similar positions and that the experience has become a point of reflection on public trust and the role of public figures. He joked about the long arc of his career, noting that his presence on Cuéntame has become a defining chapter, a professional bond that spanned decades and involved collaborations with colleagues who have become like family. He also hinted at the personal dimension of fame, recalling how long-standing working relationships shape an actor’s sense of identity in the spotlight.
Arias acknowledged that the episode did affect how the public perceives him, even if he did not let it dominate his self-portrait. He suggested that the public conversation around forgiveness and accountability is ongoing, and he urged audiences to consider the broader implications for civic life, the governance of public funds, and the integrity expected of public personalities. The interview left viewers with a sense that the actor remains committed to his craft while remaining vigilant about the political and social currents that influence contemporary culture. The exchange underscored the complexity of balancing a long, storied career with the weight of personal responsibility in the public eye.