Vox's Resilience: How Leadership Changes and Strategic Shifts Are Reinventing the Party
Not long ago, Vox was struggling under the weight of significant leadership defections, a constant exodus of prominent figures who played crucial roles in the party's inception and early growth. High-profile exits, such as Iván Espinosa de los Monteros, Macarena Olona, and Víctor Sánchez del Real, alongside public criticisms of a lack of transparency and rigorous control from the party's national leadership, left many wondering about Vox's future. The mass resignations included almost half of the councilors from the 2019 municipal elections, creating a perception that the party was a space of departure—a negative image that might lead to its downfall.
Following the general elections on July 23, where Vox dropped from 52 to 33 deputies, it seemed the party was facing a tipping point, similar to the decline that befell Ciudadanos. Alejo Vidal-Quadras, one of Vox's founding members, emphasized in August 2023 that the internal strife needed rectification if the party was to survive. Voices like former deputy Rubén Manso questioned Vox's future altogether, implying that the party had become incompatible with its fundamental principles.
However, Santiago Abascal, the leader of Vox, has managed to reverse this narrative. In just a year and a half since those dark times, Vox appears rejuvenated, reporting a rise in polling percentages that could see it play a significant role in a right-wing government configuration under Feijóo's leadership. According to a recent survey by 40db for El País, Vox projects an estimated voting share surpassing 14%. Other polls suggest that the party could regain more than 40 deputies in upcoming elections.
One of the party's most significant achievements in recent months is Abascal's ability to solidify Vox's identity as a national party, minimizing dissent within its ranks. National deputy José María Figaredo underlined that Vox operates with a central strategy, commanding loyalty to leadership decisions made from its headquarters in Bambú. This tight-knit structure leaves little room for criticism about internal democracy and regional autonomy.
Nevertheless, dissensions persist. The recent departure of Juan García-Gallardo, the former vice president of the Junta of Castilla y León, hinted at ongoing concerns regarding the party's internal dynamics. In a revealing interview, García-Gallardo criticized the lack of a cooperative relationship between the party's leadership and its regional members, remarking that coercive tactics had been employed to enforce compliance from lower ranks.
These sentiments echo the grievances of Sonia Lalanda, former spokesperson for Vox in the Palencia City Council, who faced suspension after expressing disagreement with top-level decisions. Lalanda's remarks claimed that the party was being driven by an 'oligarchy' of autocrats who were neglecting Vox's foundational principles, culminating in a detrimental environment for its valuable members.
Interestingly, despite these criticisms, the party leadership appears unfazed, viewing recent high-profile exits as positive developments. The relationship between Abascal and García-Gallardo had reportedly soured for some time, with insiders noting that his candidacy for upcoming elections was already in doubt. Such departures have not hindered the party's progress; rather, they seem to reinforce a sense of stability within Vox's remaining ranks.
In fact, many Vox members have adopted a pragmatic stance regarding its structure and leadership. As David Hierro, the new spokesperson for Vox in Castilla y León, asserted, Abascal maintains a commanding presence throughout the organization. Simultaneously, Manuel Gavira from Andalusia highlighted the notion that, aside from Abascal himself, all other members are 'disposable.' This aligns with a broader strategy, mirroring the centralized models of other far-right parties in Europe, such as the League in Italy and the National Front in France.
As the party continues to evolve, so too does its willingness to accept dissent. Abascal's recent comments regarding party turnover suggest an air of acceptance: "Some come, we welcome them; others leave, we thank them and wish them good luck." This statement encapsulates a new phase for Vox, which, after overcoming leadership challenges and redefining its strategic approach, seems more poised than ever to navigate the tumultuous waters of Spanish politics.
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