Internal Turmoil in Vox: Regional Leader José Ángel Antelo Faces Mass Resignation Amid Leadership Struggles

In a political landscape marked by growing divisions, the Spanish far-right party Vox is grappling with significant internal strife. The leadership under Santiago Abascal appears to be consolidating power, sidelining the liberal wing, and engaging in what some members describe as purges of dissenting voices. Recently, the party experienced a seismic shift as the regional executive in Murcia orchestrated a mass resignation to pressure José Ángel Antelo, the party's leader in the region, into stepping down. José Ángel Antelo, a well-known figure in the Murcia region due to his previous career as a basketball player for the UCAM club, has defiantly stated that he is not giving up without a fight. In a candid interview on Onda Cero, Antelo expressed his surprise over the leadership's request for his resignation, clarifying that he had not received any direct communication from Abascal. Instead, the suggestion was made by the deputy general secretary of Vox, who proposed that Antelo resign in exchange for a national spokesperson role in the Sports area. Despite the pressure to resign, Antelo claims that he intends to remain in his leadership position. He referenced the unsettling nature of the resignation of his entire regional executive, indicating that several colleagues reached out to him in tears, revealing that they were facing multiple pressures from the party leadership. Antelo perceives a troubling pattern of dissent within the organization, citing previous expulsions of prominent figures such as Javier Ortega Smith and Juan García Gallardo. The rift within Vox is further complicated by the performance of the party in Murcia. Antelo noted the promising results in terms of voting projections, suggesting that under his leadership, Vox could potentially increase its representation in the regional Parliament. In light of the political challenges faced by the Popular Party and their inability to engage effectively with Vox on budgetary matters, Antelo's leadership could be crucial in securing further electoral success for the party. Moreover, Antelo's current focus remains on the constituents who supported him, as he is reluctant to let internal political machinations adversely affect those who voted for Vox. As he contemplates his next steps, which include the potential of resigning his deputy seat, he maintains that his commitment to the party's work continues. The mass resignation and ensuing conflict in Vox's Murcia wing underscore a deeper struggle within the organization as it grapples with loyalty, submission, and the rapidly shifting dynamics of regional versus national leadership. With Antelo's resistance and the expressions of support from former members, it is clear that the internal divisions might only deepen as the party moves forward into a politically charged environment. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2