In recent years, the name Vito Quiles has become synonymous with political scandals and sharp shifts in Spain’s public life. His activities touch not only politicians but also ordinary citizens, as the methods employed by Quiles and his supporters have a direct impact on the atmosphere in universities, in the streets, and even within the halls of parliament. The issue of acceptable boundaries for political campaigning and the media’s role in shaping public opinion has once again come to the forefront.
Quiles, the son of an Italian migrant and a graduate of the journalism faculty at Universidad Complutense de Madrid, began his career by spreading controversial content on social networks. His name first made headlines during the 2020 pandemic, when he actively disseminated disinformation and fake news related to the coronavirus, natural disasters, and high-profile incidents. Through his collaboration with Estado de Alarma (EDA TV), founded by Javier Negre, Quiles quickly gained notoriety among far-right circles.
His connections with major political forces have drawn particular attention. More than 170 contracts with the Partido Popular, totaling up to 680,000 euros, became the subject of media scrutiny and sparked a wave of criticism. Quiles did not limit himself to online activities: he organized a series of talks at universities across the country, often without official permission. These events were marked by outbursts of racist and fascist rhetoric, which provoked outrage among students and faculty.
Political ties
During his university tours, Quiles received financial support from Alvise Pérez, leader of the Se Acabó La Fiesta (SALF) party. Within this political group, Quiles held the position of press secretary and even ran in the European Parliament elections. His public appearances were often accompanied by provocations and sometimes direct confrontations with opponents.
At rallies and protests organized by progressive movements, Quiles was seen accompanied by security, among whom were individuals with neo-Nazi views. His behavior repeatedly led to complaints of harassment and intimidation, as well as incidents in the Congress of Deputies, where he disrupted journalists’ work and violated the order of press conferences.
Within the People’s Party, the decision to cooperate with Quiles sparked a mixed reaction. Some party members openly voiced their dissatisfaction, believing such associations could damage the political force’s reputation. Nevertheless, Quiles continued to take part in campaign events, which only fueled public attention around him.
Methods and consequences
Quiles’s activities illustrate how modern far-right groups use journalism and social media to promote their ideas. His radical statements and provocative actions have raised concerns among many civil society representatives, who fear the rise of extremism and the blurring of boundaries between journalism and political propaganda.
The question of the acceptability of such methods is being discussed not only in political circles but also among media experts. Some compare Quiles’s influence to recent conflicts between prominent public figures and the government, such as the confrontation with Elon Musk, who strongly opposed new restrictions on social networks in Spain. Further details about this conflict can be found in the article about the struggle for control over platforms and migration.
Quiles’s constant presence at public events, his attempts to influence the course of press conferences, and his aggressive rhetoric have become a topic of discussion within the professional journalism community. Some colleagues are calling for his credentials to be revoked to ensure the normal functioning of the media in parliament and other state institutions.
Context and trends
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in far-right activity, with these movements increasingly using modern media to mobilize supporters. Scandals involving interference in journalists’ work, provocations at university campuses, and attempts to pressure politicians are becoming more and more frequent.
Such incidents are not limited to a single country: across Europe, there is a similar trend as radical groups make use of information technology to spread their views and influence public opinion. In Spain, this has led to heated debates about freedom of speech, the boundaries of what is permissible, and the responsibility of politicians for their ties with such activists.
The surge of interest in the far right and their role in modern politics is explained not only by domestic issues but also by global trends. In recent years, Spain and other EU countries have repeatedly faced scandals involving attempts by radical groups to influence elections, organize unauthorized protests, and use the media to spread disinformation. These events have raised concerns among experts and citizens, as they bring into question the future of democracy and the stability of political institutions.
