An unexpected turn in Madrid politics
The tension within Vox has reached a new level with the recent decision of the National Executive Committee to expel Javier Ortega, Carla Toscano, and Ignacio Ansaldo, councillors of the Madrid City Council. This measure, confirmed by Libertad Digital, not only affects the three councillors but also reshapes the political landscape of the Madrid council.
From now on, the three councillors will be considered non-attached, meaning they can no longer act under the Vox umbrella. This situation leaves the municipal group with only two members, the minimum required to continue operating according to the Regulations. The lack of representation could have significant repercussions in economic and logistical terms, as groups receive allocations based on their number of councillors.
The decision comes after a series of public criticisms from Javier Ortega towards Santiago Abascal, the party leader. Ortega has denounced an “omnipotent power” exercised by Abascal and has questioned the lack of internal democracy within Vox. This conflict intensified when Ortega signed a manifesto alongside Iván Espinosa calling for a national congress to discuss the strategic direction of the party.
The Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez Almeida, had anticipated this situation and ordered the preparation of all possible scenarios in the event of an eventual expulsion. Now it will be the Presidency of the municipal Plenary who determines the administrative and political consequences arising from this decision. Almeida emphasised the importance of being prepared for any eventuality related to non-attached councillors.
At a national level, this crisis could also affect the parliamentary group in the Congress, where Ortega could join the Mixed Group. Although it is unlikely to change his political alignment regarding the decisions made by Vox, it would officially represent a crucial loss for the conservative bloc in a legislature marked by the closeness between political forces.
The expulsion occurs at a delicate moment: just before the Andalusian elections. This risky move could open new legal fronts if the former members decide to challenge the decision in court. Recent history shows how similar situations have negatively affected the party's electoral expectations, as was previously the case in Castilla y León.
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