A shocking development has emerged, with a recent report revealing that the company Tizona Comunicación, run by advisors to Santiago Abascal, the leader of the Spanish party Vox, has received nearly €1.3 million from the party in one year. This information comes at a time when the party is under increasing pressure from its opponents to provide greater transparency over its funding sources.
The reports suggest that these payments were made after the far-right party began receiving public funds following its entry into the institutions. Tizona also received more than €500,000 in 2019, prompting the Court of Auditors to summon party officials to explain these contracts.
Scandal Details
According to sources, Tizona is currently receiving monthly payments of up to €22,145, plus VAT, under a contract published in January. Party sources have responded to these allegations, stating that the party's accounts and those of its suppliers are subject to scrutiny by the Court of Auditors.
Although the exact amount is unknown, the financial flows from the party to Abascal's advisors were significant over the past six years. Juan García-Galiardo, the former deputy of Castile and León, sparked controversy when he announced that he had lost confidence in Abascal after learning that he was receiving a third salary through a party supplier.
Background & Context
Vox was founded in 2013 and achieved significant success in regional and national elections, relying on more than 80% of its income on public funds. In recent years, Tizona, which was established in the same year the party entered parliament, has seen a notable increase in its revenues, rising from €13,700 in its founding year to €1.4 million the following year.
The relationships between the party and companies linked to Abascal's advisors are closely intertwined, with Tizona's offices being used as party offices, raising questions about transparency and financial practices.
Impact & Consequences
The pressure on the party is increasing, with calls for an extraordinary conference to discuss these financial issues, with some members demanding greater transparency over party funding. Ignacio Garriga, the party's general secretary, has pointed to an investigation into Galiardo over his statements.
The scandal is escalating as elections approach, with the party's opponents seeking to capitalize on the controversy to boost their position. Criticisms are also growing over the use of public funds to support private companies linked to the party leadership.
Regional Significance
This scandal serves as an example of how financial policies can impact political parties worldwide. In the Arab region, where many parties face similar challenges related to transparency and corruption, this case can serve as a lesson on the importance of accountability in political life.
In conclusion, this scandal highlights the importance of transparency in political and financial operations, shedding light on the need for close monitoring of public funds, especially in parties that rely heavily on government funding.