The Spanish political party Vox has undergone significant personnel changes: Javier Ortega Smith is no longer serving as deputy speaker in the Congress of Deputies. His removal came as a surprise to many, as Ortega Smith had long been one of the key figures in the party’s parliamentary group.
Carlos H. Quero, a deputy from Málaga and the national housing coordinator, has been appointed to replace him. The party leadership explained this move as a necessary step to focus on the housing affordability issue, which they say is especially pressing for Spaniards right now. The new deputy speaker is expected to strengthen Vox’s work in this area and bring fresh solutions to tackle the housing crisis.
As a result of these reshuffles, the leadership structure of the Vox group in Congress has changed: Pepa Millán remains the main speaker, with José María Figaredo, María Ruiz, and the newly appointed Carlos Quero serving as her deputies. Ortega Smith, despite losing his post in Congress, retains important roles: he continues to chair the justice committee and remains the leader of Vox’s municipal group in Madrid.
Internal party observers note that relations between Ortega Smith and party leader Santiago Abascal have recently been tense. This has been evident both in public speeches and behind-the-scenes discussions. Some experts believe the reshuffle is linked to a desire to refresh the team and place greater emphasis on social issues—particularly housing, which is becoming an increasingly pressing concern for voters.
It remains unclear how these changes will affect Vox’s internal dynamics and its position in parliament. However, it is evident that the party is betting on new faces and fresh ideas to strengthen its standing on Spain’s political stage. Both supporters and opponents of Vox will be watching the developments closely.
