Spanish Election Campaign Draws Controversy with Far-Right Activist’s Presence
Concerns are rising as the People’s Party (PP) campaign in Aragon is shadowed by the involvement of a controversial figure with ties to extremist groups, sparking debate over the party’s strategy to attract right-wing voters.
The PP’s campaign finale in Aragon took an unexpected turn with the participation of Vito Quiles, an activist known for his far-right views, alongside party leaders Jorge Azcón and Alberto Núñez Feijóo. The move has ignited criticism, particularly as it coincided with performances by a musical duo, Los Meconios, who have previously voiced support for the Spanish coup of 1936.
The event, held in Zaragoza, saw Quiles engaging with members of the PP’s youth wing, Nuevas Generaciones, and reportedly sharing drinks with them. According to reports, the focus of the gathering was largely centered on attacks against the Socialist Party (PSOE). Quiles, during his address to the young conservatives, reportedly made disparaging remarks about Transport Minister Óscar Puente, referring to him with a racial slur, and labeled Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez an “autocrat” for allegedly seeking control over social media.
This association has drawn sharp condemnation from political opponents. Sánchez, during a rally with Pilar Alegría, directly addressed the situation, stating that Quiles is “someone who goes after politicians who don’t think like him.” He further highlighted the concerning rhetoric of Los Meconios, who he said “apart from insulting me, advocate for the coup d’état and the Civil War of ’36. It is very serious, and they say it without any shame.” Sánchez emphatically declared, “Let people know: on Sunday, PP votes go to the far right and far-right votes go to the PP.”
The controversy extends beyond the event itself. Records show Quiles previously served as a press aide to Alvise Pérez, leader of the far-right group Se Acabó la Fiesta (SALF), and even received a payment of €4,477 for “collaboration and promotion” services. Furthermore, Quiles is associated with the ultra-nationalist media channel EDATV, which has seen a significant increase in funding from the Aragonese regional government since Azcón took office – receiving €60,801.85 for promotional campaigns despite having limited presence in the region.
Amidst the backlash, both Azcón and Feijóo have urged voters to consolidate support and avoid fragmentation of the right-wing vote. Azcón specifically criticized Vox, labeling its leader, Abascal, as “populist” and dismissing their votes as “useless.” He also emphasized his commitment to preventing a water transfer from the Ebro River, a key issue for farmers in Aragon, accusing Vox of misleading them on the matter.
The PP’s attempt to court the far-right vote comes as the PSOE is described by Azcón as undergoing a “process of decay.” He reiterated his call for unity, stating, “These elections are about whether we know how to unite the vote. Abascal, the populist, calls us scammers and his vote is useless.”
The situation underscores the complex dynamics of the Spanish political landscape as the nation heads to the polls, raising questions about the strategies parties are willing to employ to secure victory and the potential consequences of aligning with extremist elements.
