The Partido Popular (PP) refused to sign a parliamentary declaration condemning an assault by ultra-right activist Vito Quiles on Begoña Gómez [1].

This refusal highlights the deepening political divide in Spain as the center-right party avoids alienating far-right allies while facing pressure to condemn violence against public figures.

The declaration, which was read on April 15, 2026, sought to establish a formal institutional condemnation of the incident [1]. However, two parties, the PP and Vox, refused to sign the document [3]. The PP's decision is viewed as a strategic move to balance political considerations and avoid friction with its right-wing partners [3].

Sen. Rocío Briones of the PSOE, who pushed for the declaration, emphasized the importance of civic discourse during the proceedings. "La democracia no es gritar más," Briones said [2].

Legal experts are now focusing on the evidence available from the scene of the assault, which took place at a local venue in Madrid. Joaquim Bosch said that the presence of surveillance footage may be critical to the legal process. "Se ha dicho que en el local había cámaras, eso facilita la calificación de los hechos para ver si hay delito," Bosch said [1].

Contradictions remain regarding the specific targets of Quiles' aggression. While some reports identify Begoña Gómez as the victim [1], other accounts suggest the aggression was directed toward communicator Sarah Santaolalla and other senators [3]. Additionally, some reports link the PP's refusal to condemn to an incident involving Vox deputy José María Sánchez rather than Quiles [3].

The PP continues to maintain its position against signing the institutional declaration, reflecting a broader trend of alignment between the party and the far-right on issues of political conduct and accountability [3].

“La democracia no es gritar más”

The refusal of the Partido Popular to join a cross-party condemnation of political violence suggests a shift in the Spanish right's internal dynamics. By aligning with Vox in this instance, the PP is signaling that maintaining a cohesive right-wing bloc outweighs the political cost of failing to condemn an assault on a high-profile figure, potentially lowering the threshold for acceptable behavior in political disputes.