Madrid – A deepening internal conflict within the Spanish far-right party Vox has erupted into public accusations, as founding member Javier Ortega Smith alleges the party’s leadership prioritized personal interests over the organization’s well-being. Ortega Smith, currently a Madrid City Council representative, claims the executive filtered information detrimental to critics and failed to uphold the party’s statutes. The accusations come after Ortega Smith’s expulsion from Vox last Friday, a decision he intends to challenge legally.
The dispute centers around Ortega Smith’s refusal to comply with a directive from the National Executive Committee (CEN) regarding a change in the party’s spokesperson role in the Madrid City Council. This refusal led to a resolution from the independent Guarantee Committee recommending his expulsion, a decision communicated to the press before the completion of internal procedures, according to Ortega Smith. The unfolding situation raises questions about the future direction of Vox and the power dynamics within the party led by Santiago Abascal.
Ortega Smith, speaking on Onda Madrid, announced his intention to file a complaint with the Spanish Data Protection Agency regarding the leak of the expulsion resolution. He maintains the information was confidential and that he still has the right to appeal, though he acknowledges the slim chance of success. Should the Guarantee Committee uphold its decision, he plans to escalate the matter to the CEN and ultimately pursue legal action, arguing the process was arbitrary.
Internal Divisions and Accusations of Favoritism
Ortega Smith expressed “deep regret” over the situation, questioning whether the party’s behavior in opposition would be mirrored if it were to attain power. He lamented the evolution of Vox since its founding, asserting that Abascal and the current leadership are no longer upholding the principles upon which the party was built. “We said we were fighting as a team, with open doors for all Spaniards,” he stated, contrasting this with what he perceives as a current climate of “backstabbing, betrayal, and ingratitude.”
He directly criticized what he described as a group of “four who pull the strings” within Vox, accusing them of seeking personal gain at the expense of the party, individuals he claims were not involved in the party’s early days. Ortega Smith also revealed a complete breakdown in communication with Abascal, stating the leader has not offered any explanation for his successive removals from positions within the party and the Madrid government. “I haven’t spoken to him in a long time,” he said, adding that he hasn’t sought an explanation either. He believes Abascal has lacked the “humanity, detail, or gratitude” to explain why his role is no longer considered necessary.
Escalating Crisis: Murcia and a Pattern of Dismissals
The internal strife extends beyond Ortega Smith’s case, with the parliamentarian also defending José Ángel Antelo, the former president of Vox in Murcia. Antelo was recently ousted following a vote of no confidence initiated by the provincial executive committee. Ortega Smith characterized Antelo as a “great professional and patriot” who was asked to “take a step forward for the project,” but whose dismissal occurred in a region where Vox potentially could achieve over 30% support in future elections. He also alluded to accusations of corruption leveled against Antelo, which he believes were leaked from within the party.
Antelo himself has publicly expressed feeling “burned” by his experience with Vox, claiming a pattern of successful political figures being removed. Speaking on Esradio, Antelo detailed how Montserrat Lluis, the party’s deputy secretary-general, traveled to Murcia to request his resignation, even offering him a candidacy in 2027 and the sports spokesperson role. He refused, leading to the executive committee’s resignation and his subsequent suspension from the party.
Antelo lamented the impact on his family, stating, “The biggest problem is that I have to go home and my children think I’ve done something wrong.” He believes Vox activated its “machinery” against a loyal member, particularly during a period of success in challenging governing coalitions with the People’s Party (PP). He also called for a party congress to establish greater internal democracy, warning against the proliferation of “fifty-two Santiagos Abascals” in every province and municipality.
What’s Next for Vox?
Ortega Smith remains the Vox spokesperson in the Madrid City Council, as does Antelo in the Murcia Assembly. The coming weeks will likely see further legal challenges from Ortega Smith and continued scrutiny of the internal dynamics within Vox. The party faces the challenge of addressing these internal divisions although maintaining its political momentum. The outcome of these disputes could significantly shape the future direction and public image of Vox as it navigates the Spanish political landscape.
The situation warrants close observation as it unfolds, and further developments are expected as Ortega Smith pursues his legal challenges and the party responds to the public airing of these grievances. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.
