Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the head of the Autonomous Community of Madrid, has carried out a deep reorganization of the parliamentary group of the People's Party in the regional assembly. This decision is a direct response to the resignation of key advisors, including Emilio Viciany, and the scandal surrounding a group of politicians colloquially known as 'Los Pocholos'. The personnel changes aim to tighten party structures and eliminate internal opposition ahead of upcoming parliamentary sessions, where Ayuso will explain the recent resignations.

Reconstruction of the parliamentary group

Isabel Díaz Ayuso replaced key individuals in the party leadership in the Madrid Assembly after a wave of advisor resignations.

Explanations in parliament

The regional leader announced the date of a speech in which she will address the controversial dismissal of the education minister.

Crisis of the Pocholos faction

Internal conflicts and accusations of disloyalty against a group of advisors forced the party into sudden personnel moves.

The political situation in the Madrid region has sharply intensified following the resignation of Emilio Viciany, the former education minister, and the departure of a group of his close collaborators. These events have exposed internal fractures in the regional structures of the PP. Isabel Díaz Ayuso decided on a swift reconstruction of the leadership of the parliamentary group in the Madrid Assembly. Analysts interpret these changes as a 'purge' targeting individuals loyal to the dismissed minister and deputies who have fallen into conflict with the regional leader's media allies. An additional burden on the party's image is the scandal related to the group referred to in the media as 'Los Pocholos', whose members are accused of disloyalty and actions detrimental to party unity. Within the new structure, key roles have been taken by Ayuso's most trusted people, which is intended to guarantee the stability of the regional government in the face of growing criticism from the left-wing opposition. Simultaneously, Alfonso Serrano is trying to ease tensions, claiming that the Madrid structures remain the 'flagship' of the nationwide party under the leadership of Alberto Núñez Feijóo. Since Spain's political transition, the Madrid region has been a key political battleground, and its People's Party structures often set the course for the entire party nationwide, sometimes falling into conflict with the central leadership.Pressure on Isabel Díaz Ayuso will increase on March 5, when her appearance before parliament is scheduled to explain the reasons for the sudden changes in the education ministry. The opposition, including Socialist leader Reyes Maroto, suggests that the current crisis is a signal of the end of a certain political phase, also pointing to the weakening position of the capital's mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida. „No es una crisis, sino una reorganización para fortalecer el proyecto que los madrileños eligieron por mayoría.” (This is not a crisis, but a reorganization to strengthen the project that the people of Madrid chose by majority.) — Isabel Díaz Ayuso In the corridors, it is said that Ayuso aims for the complete elimination of factions that could threaten her leadership in the future. The appointments of new coordinators and spokespersons in the Assembly are meant to cut off speculation about an alleged loss of control over her own political base.

Mentioned People

  • Isabel Díaz Ayuso — President of the Community of Madrid and leader of the regional People's Party.
  • Emilio Viciana — Former education minister in the Madrid regional government, whose resignation triggered the crisis.
  • Reyes Maroto — Leader of the Socialists in Madrid, criticizing Ayuso's government.