Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s Public Prosecutor’s Office against corruption has opened an investigation into the far-right party Vox over alleged irregular funding. The inquiry follows a report from the socialist PSOE, which accuses Santiago Abascal’s party of opaque financial practices.
The newspaper El Independiente first reported the investigation, later confirmed by sources within the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Chief prosecutor Alejandro Luzón has initiated proceedings, citing sufficient grounds to examine the allegations.
PSOE’s accusations
On December 13, PSOE filed charges against Vox with the Attorney General’s Office. Their analysis of Vox’s financial activities suggests possible illegal funding under Article 304 bis of the Spanish Criminal Code.
According to PSOE, Vox used various fundraising methods, including “piggy banks” and cash chests, to collect funds in an unregulated manner. The party also sold merchandising, allegedly to accumulate cash without proper documentation. The socialists estimate these methods generated up to €5 million, which they claim was not transparently recorded.
Controversial foreign loan
PSOE’s complaint also highlights a €6.5 million loan Vox received from Hungarian bank MBH Bank Nyrt, known for its links to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Spanish law prohibits political parties from receiving funding from foreign government-linked entities. PSOE argues that this transaction violates electoral financing regulations.
Vox’s response
Vox has confirmed receiving a total of €9 million from the Hungarian bank to fund its 2023 election campaigns. The party justifies this by stating that Spanish banks refused to provide financial support, forcing them to seek alternative funding sources.
Legal Process and Possible Consequences
Chief prosecutor Alejandro Luzón has opened a classified investigation into potential violations of Article 304 bis, which prohibits illegal party financing. The probe is in its early stages, and its impact on Vox and its leader Santiago Abascal remains uncertain. The Public Prosecutor’s Office will continue gathering evidence to determine the extent of any wrongdoing.