Internal disagreements within Vox have reached a new level after the leadership decided to suspend one of the party’s founders, a move that immediately impacted the political situation in Madrid. This event is significant for Spaniards, as it could affect the balance of power in the city council and change the usual decision-making process. In a context where political stability in the capital is closely tied to the internal dynamics of parties, such shifts attract close public attention.
The situation escalated after the party’s National Executive Committee unanimously voted to remove Javier Ortega Smith from his position as leader of the municipal faction in Madrid. Arancha Cabello was appointed as his replacement, but Ortega Smith refused to comply with the decision and remained in office, prompting a sharp response from the leadership. According to Elconfidencial, the party has initiated disciplinary proceedings and temporarily suspended the politician’s membership.
Causes of the conflict
Internal disagreements within Vox had been building for several months. Despite gradually losing key positions, Ortega Smith continued to fight for influence in the capital and even announced plans to run again in 2027. His refusal to step down became the tipping point for the leadership, which decided to act decisively. In a letter addressed to party leaders, he accused them of manipulation and a lack of transparency, further escalating tensions.
Vox leadership, in turn, regarded Ortega Smith’s actions as a serious violation of party rules. According to Elconfidencial, such a disciplinary procedure had not previously been applied in Madrid. The temporary suspension from the party became a logical continuation of a series of removals that began back in 2022, when Ortega Smith lost his position as secretary general.
Consequences for Madrid
As a result of these events, the Vox political group in the city council has become split. Some councilors, including Carla Toscano, support Ortega Smith, while others have sided with the new leadership and Arancha Cabello. According to Elconfidencial, tension within the faction has reached its peak, and the party’s influence on decision-making in Madrid has markedly decreased.
At the same time, Vox leadership appointed Íñigo Henríquez de Luna as head of municipal policy in the region. His experience in the city council makes him one of the key figures in upcoming reshuffles. However, the situation remains unstable, and it is difficult to predict how events will unfold.
Purges within the party
In recent years, Vox has undergone a series of internal reshuffles, resulting in the removal of several prominent figures. Ortega Smith gradually lost influence: first, he was moved from the post of vice president to a less significant position, then stripped of his seats on parliamentary committees, and even relegated to the back rows in the Congress of Deputies. These moves were part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the leadership’s control over the party.
According to Elconfidencial, internal conflicts and public accusations against Vox leaders have accelerated the ousting process. As a result, the party found itself in a situation where its influence in Madrid was under threat, and the faction itself stood on the brink of a split.
In recent years, Spanish parties have increasingly faced internal conflicts, leading to high-profile resignations and reshuffles. Similar situations have already occurred in other political groups, where disagreements with the leadership resulted in key members being expelled. In 2024, a similar crisis affected one of the country’s major parties, sparking extensive discussions about transparency and democracy within political organizations. These developments highlight that power struggles and internal influence remain central issues in Spanish politics.
