The Government of the Community of Madrid is facing its most serious internal crisis since Isabel Díaz Ayuso took office. Following the resignation of Education Minister Emilio Viciana, advisors and deputies from the circle of Antonio Castillo Algarra have left their positions. The playwright, known as 'Rasputin,' resigned as director of the ballet, sealing the downfall of the faction known as 'Los Pocholos.' Meanwhile, in Castellón, councilor Cristian Ramírez resigned, embroiled in a parking ticket scandal.

Resignation of the Gray Eminence

Antonio Castillo Algarra resigned as ballet director, ending his informal influence in the power structures of the Community of Madrid.

Disintegration of the Los Pocholos Group

Along with their mentor, three deputies and senior officials responsible for education and universities are leaving politics.

Parking Ticket Scandal in Castellón

Councilor Cristian Ramírez resigned due to a prosecutor's investigation into 134 unpaid parking tickets.

Ayuso's Internal Crisis

For the first time since taking power, Isabel Díaz Ayuso is facing such a deep split within her own faction in the People's Party.

The administration of Isabel Díaz Ayyuso is experiencing a severe political shock, exposing deep divisions within factions of the People's Party. The tipping point was the dismissal of Emilio Viciana as education minister, triggering a domino effect. The key figure in the crisis is Antonio Castillo Algarra, a controversial playwright and unofficial advisor who, through a network of social and professional connections, managed to place his trusted people, ironically called 'Los Pocholos,' in numerous positions in offices and the regional parliament. Algarra, who ultimately resigned from leading the Spanish National Ballet of the Community of Madrid, was seen as a figure with almost mystical influence over President Ayuso, earning him the nickname 'Rasputin.' The Community of Madrid enjoys broad autonomy within Spain's decentralized system, making its president's position one of the most prestigious in the country, often serving as a springboard for a national political career. The fall of Castillo Algarra led to the resignation of three deputies in the Madrid Assembly and general directors in the education department. Media point to the ideological basis of the conflict – Algarra's group promoted a radically conservative message, openly criticizing feminism as a 'maniacal epidemic.' Concurrently, though in another region, the party is grappling with an image disaster in Castellón. The local mobility councilor, Cristian Ramírez, resigned after it was revealed he may have avoided paying 134 parking tickets in paid parking zones. Although Ramírez claims to be a victim of a smear campaign, a reopened court investigation forced his departure, further damaging the party's image nationwide. „Fire from friends carries much more information than from enemies and can cause far greater damage.” — Marta García Aller The Madrid crisis is interpreted as a clash between experienced party structures and a young, advisor-loyal environment lacking political experience. The opposition and some commentators suggest that the management model based on the informal influence of a 'guru' began to threaten the stability of Ayuso's government. Although the president tries to downplay the changes as routine restructuring, the scale of departures suggests a permanent weakening of her immediate circle. 134 — parking tickets not paid by councilor in Castellón Madrid Crisis Timeline: February 16, 2026 — Minister's Resignation; February 17, 2026 — Deputies' Resignations; February 18, 2026 — Algarra's Downfall

Mentioned People

  • Isabel Díaz Ayuso — President of the Community of Madrid, whose government is undergoing deep restructuring due to an internal scandal.
  • Antonio Castillo Algarra — Controversial playwright and advisor, leader of the Los Pocholos group, who resigned from official and unofficial positions.
  • Emilio Viciana — Former education minister of Madrid, whose dismissal started the wave of resignations in the region.
  • Cristian Ramírez — Councilor from Castellón, who resigned in connection with a scandal involving avoiding payment of parking tickets.