The far-right group Revuelta has claimed responsibility for an attack on Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during his recent visit to Paiporta, one of the towns severely impacted by recent flooding.
Video footage shows protesters hurling mud and insults at Sánchez, as well as at the royal family and Valencia’s regional president, Carlos Mazón. Tensions reached such a peak that Sánchez’s vehicle was damaged. Furthermore, the Prime Minister reportedly faced physical assault by one of the protesters wielding a stick.
Police investigate far-right involvement
Spanish authorities are investigating the involvement of Revuelta, a far-right group with ties to the Vox party. Details later emerged of the group’s alleged orchestration of the confrontation. Screenshots from a WhatsApp group obtained by elDiario.es include messages from Adrián Campos. This self-described volunteer of Revuelta, claimed that association members “smashed the car” and struck Sánchez. However, later Campos stated he was not physically present at the scene. The Vox-affiliated union has also offered legal support to those who damaged the official vehicles.
https://x.com/sanchezcastejon/status/1853124160266101079
Experts on far-right movements have linked the incidents to similar demonstrations previously organised by Revuelta and its affiliates, Joventuts Valentia, an ultra-nationalist youth wing of Valentia Forum. The group is known for nationalist rallies and extreme right-wing activism. Furthermore, it allegedly instructed its members on social media to intercept the royal convoy in Paiporta and confront Sánchez.
Protests escalate in Paiporta with neo-fascist symbols
Witnesses and footage reveal dozens of young protesters dressed in ultra-nationalist clothing and displaying neo-fascist symbols. Some allegedly performed the Roman salute. Protesters aligned with the far-right factions intensified the chaos by encouraging locals to join in. This led to mud-throwing and heckling, which continued despite police intervention. In response, officers set up a barrier to contain the gathering, but the visit had to be curtailed due to mounting aggression.
As the protest spiraled out of control, the convoy diverted to safety. Meanwhile, reports from the scene describe how the Royal Family tried to engage with affected residents, despite the animosity. Carlos Mazón, the regional president, remained on site, later stating that he “understood the public’s outrage” and pledged to stay “to receive it.”