Vox has taken the significant step of temporarily suspending one of its founding members, Javier Ortega Smith, following his refusal to comply with an official order from the party's National Executive Committee (CEN) to relinquish his spokesperson role in Madrid. This decision underscores ongoing tensions within the party leadership and reflects a broader struggle for power and influence within Vox. The leadership claims that disobeying such an order is a severe breach of party protocol, highlighting the internal discipline that Vox seeks to maintain.

Over recent months, Ortega Smith has faced mounting friction with the party hierarchy, leading to the withdrawal of various positions he held, including his deputy spokesperson role in Congress and his place on the leadership team. The latest development of being removed from the spokesperson position in Madrid follows a pattern of escalating disputes, indicating a fracture in the party that could have significant implications for its future direction. Ortega Smith's resistance to stepping down is seen not just as a personal defiance but as a rallying point for factions within Vox that may resent the consolidating power of current leaders like Santiago Abascal.

The implications of this expulsion may extend beyond Ortega Smith's individual circumstances, potentially affecting the party's image and voter support. As a prominent figure within Vox, his departure could lead to further discontent among party members and supporters who may view the leadership's actions as authoritarian. As the party navigates these internal challenges, the question remains whether such actions will galvanize or alienate its base ahead of future elections.