Attempted Attack on Spanish Populist Leader in Tarragona
A man was taken into custody in Tarragona, a city in Catalonia, after he allegedly tried to assault Santiago Abascal, the head of the anti-mass migration VOX party, during a campaign event.
The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly approached Abascal on Friday and attempted to punch him. Thankfully, Abascal’s security team intervened quickly, preventing any harm and restraining the attacker.
Reports suggest that the assailant was wearing a T-shirt featuring symbols linked to the Euskadi ta Askatasuna (ETA), a now-defunct separatist group that fought for Basque independence until it officially disbanded in 2018.
Abascal has been vocal in his opposition to Basque separatism and has previously pledged to outlaw separatist parties.
In response to the attack, Abascal expressed disappointment but reassured his followers in Barcelona that he wouldn’t allow this incident to hinder his campaign. He emphasized his commitment to policies focused on “repatriations, deportations, and remigration.”
“We want strong borders, safe streets, free women, and Spaniards who come first in their own homeland. That’s what we fight for. And nothing will stop us,” he stated.
He also addressed the would-be attacker, remarking, “This is what the violent cannot stand, like the Tarragona aggressor, that their neighbours show us their affection and their support.” The incident reportedly occurred amid a protest led by leftist groups opposing VOX’s presence, with demonstrators chanting “fascists out of our neighbourhoods.”
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the Conservative People’s Party and a rival of Abascal, expressed his support, stating, “My solidarity with Santiago Abascal. In democratic Spain, no one can be attacked for defending their ideas.”
VOX, like many far-right populist parties in Europe, has faced political violence. In a notable incident earlier this year, Alejo Vidal-Quadras, the party’s founder, was murdered by a motorcycle gang shortly after leaving a church in Madrid. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the attackers had links to Iran.
