An internal conflict within Vox could change the balance of power on the right wing of Spanish politics. Allegations against the party leadership, voiced by one of its most prominent members, raise questions about transparency and unity within the organization. For Spaniards, this is more than just another quarrel—it’s about the future of one of the country’s key political forces.
Letter of accusations
Javier Ortega Smith, who held the position of general secretary of Vox for many years and was considered Santiago Abascal’s right-hand man, has sharply criticized his former colleagues. In a letter sent to senior party leadership, he accused them of using lies, manipulation, and biased interpretations to discredit him and subsequently remove him from the decision-making process.
The reason for the open conflict was his recent expulsion from Vox’s National Executive Committee (Comité Ejecutivo Nacional, CEN). According to Ortega Smith, the decision was made hastily, without proper discussion, and the committee itself has long since ceased to function as a real debating body, becoming a mere formality that simply endorses predetermined decisions.
Causes and consequences
In the letter, Ortega Smith gives a detailed response to the accusations that formed the basis of his expulsion. Among them are his trip to Torrelavega, public statements at Plaza Colón in Madrid, and alleged collaboration with the Partido Popular (PP). He calls these accusations absurd, especially given that many of his critics were themselves previously associated with the PP.
According to Ortega Smith, his removal is part of a long-term strategy to eliminate all public figures capable of criticizing the party’s current direction. He claims that such decisions are made not only by current leaders but also by external actors unaffiliated with Vox’s official structure.
A long history of disagreements
The formal expulsion from the CEN was just another step in a series of demotions and dismissals that began back in 2022, when Abascal replaced Ortega Smith as Secretary General. Since then, his role within the party has gradually diminished: first, he became a simple vice president, then an ordinary member of the committee, and in January 2026 he was moved to the back benches in Congress.
In recent years, Ortega Smith has increasingly criticized the leadership, accusing it of abandoning the principles on which Vox was founded. His public statements and actions, such as attending the funerals of the victims of the Adamuz train disaster despite a party ban, have only heightened tensions.
Reaction and prospects
Within Vox, few doubt that Ortega Smith will not lead the party list in the next municipal elections in Madrid. His closest allies have already been removed from key positions, and Ortega Smith’s own influence has noticeably faded. Nevertheless, he remains one of the few founding members still actively involved in party affairs.
The Vox leadership prefers to avoid open conflict, opting instead for the gradual sidelining of dissenters. The official explanations for dismissals sound formal: generational change, the emergence of new leaders, the need for renewal. However, beneath these statements lies a deep internal crisis.
Context and analogies
In recent years, Spanish politics has frequently become the scene of high-profile intraparty conflicts. Similar situations have arisen in other parties, such as the Partido Popular and Ciudadanos, where internal disagreements led to resignations and changes in leadership. In both cases, these events were accompanied by falling approval ratings and a loss of voter trust. At Vox, as in other parties, the struggle for power and influence often extends beyond closed-door discussions, becoming public knowledge and shaping the country’s political landscape.
