The leadership of the Spanish party Vox has decided to preventively expel Javier Ortega Smith, one of the party's cornerstones and most recognizable politicians. The direct cause of this radical step was the deputy's disregard for the order to step down from his position as spokesperson for the municipal group in Madrid. The conflict, which has been escalating since last week, exposes deep divisions within the structures led by Santiago Abascal and marks the end of an era in the history of this right-wing organization.

Rebellion of the Spokesperson in Madrid

Javier Ortega Smith refused to comply with a CEN resolution from February 12 regarding resignation from his position as spokesperson in Madrid.

Selection of a New Successor

The place of the removed politician in Madrid's city hall has been taken by Arantxa Cabello, nominated by the central authorities of Vox.

End of the Founders' Era

Ortega Smith was the last co-founder of the party, alongside Santiago Abascal, who held real influence within the structures.

The decision to remove Javier Ortega Smith was made unanimously during a meeting of the Executive Committee (CEN) on February 12. The conflict escalated when the politician, who until then was the party's spokesperson in the Madrid City Council, refused to comply with party discipline. The party leadership appointed Arantxa Cabello as his successor, but Ortega Smith did not recognize this change, which was seen as open disobedience towards the statutory authorities. Santiago Abascal, the leader of the formation, decided to initiate disciplinary proceedings, resulting in suspension of membership and likely complete expulsion. The figure of Ortega Smith is key to the identity of the Vox party. As the former secretary general and one of the few remaining founding fathers still in the game, he had enjoyed a strong social mandate and high recognition. His removal is interpreted by analysts as the final consolidation of power by the faction directly centered around Abascal. This process eliminates any centers of resistance that could challenge the party's current political line. It is worth noting that Ortega Smith retains his mandate as a deputy in the Congress of Deputies, which could lead to further tensions at the parliamentary level. The Vox party was founded in 2013 as an alternative to the center-right People's Party, gaining significant influence after the 2019 elections when it became the third political force in Spain. An internal investigation will now decide the politician's ultimate fate, although sources close to the party leadership suggest a return to grace is practically impossible. This situation casts a shadow over the stability of the party ahead of upcoming electoral challenges, especially in the capital, which had been a bastion of support for Ortega Smith. The sudden sidelining of such an influential figure could trigger a loss of part of the most conservative electorate, who identified with the uncompromising style of the former spokesperson. „In the face of a lack of loyalty to the common project and evasion of decisions made by the decision-making bodies, the party must react decisively to preserve the unity of its structures.” — Santiago Abascal

Mentioned People

  • Javier Ortega Smith — Spanish politician, deputy and co-founder of the Vox party, removed from its ranks for insubordination.
  • Santiago Abascal — Leader and president of the Spanish Vox party, initiator of the procedure to expel Ortega Smith.
  • Arantxa Cabello — New spokesperson for the Vox group in the Madrid City Council, appointed to replace the removed politician.