Pablo Iglesias, the former Vice President of Spain and co-founder of the political party Podemos, recently stirred controversy during the presentation of his new book, Enemigos íntimos, which took place on April 8, 2025, at the Taberna Garibaldi in the Lavapiés neighborhood of Madrid. The event, which attracted a crowd of supporters, also drew the attention of Vito Quiles, a journalist known for his extreme right-wing views.
As Iglesias addressed the media following the book launch, Quiles posed a question regarding a workplace harassment complaint against him. This inquiry did not sit well with Iglesias, who vehemently responded, "fascists like you don’t belong here" and labeled Quiles a "provocateur," stating that people like him are "garbage." In a dramatic turn of events, Iglesias threw Quiles' microphone to the ground, a gesture that was met with applause from the attendees.
Quiles took to social media to denounce Iglesias' actions, asserting, "We came here and will not be intimidated despite the insults." The incident quickly went viral, igniting discussions about the boundaries of provocation and freedom of expression in Spain's current political landscape.
During the presentation, Iglesias highlighted the reasons for choosing the Taberna Garibaldi as the venue, revealing that the Madrid City Council, led by Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida, had denied him permission to hold the event at a cultural center in Vallecas. "We are here thanks to the mayor of Madrid," Iglesias remarked, emphasizing the need for more inclusive cultural spaces.
In his book, Iglesias delves into the factors contributing to the rightward shift of Spanish society over the past decade. He identifies key figures such as Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the Pombo sisters, and former Prime Minister José María Aznar as instrumental in this political change. Iglesias argues that certain leftist figures have also played a role in this shift, describing them as a "mediatic construction made to destroy us." He specifically criticized Mónica García, the leader of Más Madrid, for her recent comments expressing frustration with Iglesias and his associates.
Before the incident with Quiles, Iglesias addressed García's anger, urging her to respect the political autonomy of leftist organizations. "I regret that the minister is angry, but she should respect that left-wing organizations engage in politics," he stated. This remark came in the context of García's criticism of Iglesias and Irene Montero, who has been proposed as the candidate for Podemos in the upcoming general elections.
Amidst the backdrop of a packed tavern decorated with Soviet memorabilia and anti-fascist slogans, Iglesias took the opportunity to discuss the political climate in Spain. He expressed concerns about the right's dominance in cultural spaces and the need for the left to reclaim these areas. "The right has always known how to conquer spaces better than the left," he asserted. He also mentioned the importance of media in shaping public opinion, stating, "There are few things more political than working in the media. It shapes people's opinions."
The book presentation was not only a literary event but also a strategic move for Iglesias, who is now the director of Canal Red and coordinator of Diario Red. He emphasized the role of these media outlets in providing a counter-narrative to the dominant right-wing discourse in Spain. "Canal Red aims to equip people with ideological tools to engage in discussions in everyday settings," Iglesias explained.
As the event unfolded, attendees expressed their support for Iglesias, chanting slogans such as "Madrid will be the grave of fascism." The atmosphere was charged with political fervor, as many in the crowd were eager to hear Iglesias' insights on the current political landscape and the future of Podemos.
Polls indicate a challenging road ahead for Podemos. According to a recent barometer from the 40dB institute for EL PAÍS and Cadena SER, Podemos would secure only 3.3% of the votes if elections were held today, while Sumar, another left-wing coalition, would receive 5.1%. This is a significant decline from the 12.4% garnered when Podemos was part of a coalition. At its peak in 2015, Podemos enjoyed the support of over 20% of the electorate.
Despite these challenges, Iglesias remains resolute about the future of his party. He believes that the narrative of the left can be revitalized through strategic alliances and a clear political vision. The recent proposal for Montero to lead the Podemos candidacy reflects this ambition, as Iglesias and his supporters aim to re-establish their presence in the political arena.
However, tensions within the left remain palpable. Iglesias' comments about figures like Díaz and García indicate a rift that could hinder potential collaborations. Nevertheless, he insists that the left must not shy away from political discourse, even if it means confronting uncomfortable truths.
As the political landscape in Spain continues to evolve, Iglesias' book, Enemigos íntimos, serves as both a reflection of past grievances and a call to action for the left. The incident with Quiles may have overshadowed the book's launch, but it also underscores the high stakes and heated emotions that characterize contemporary Spanish politics.
In the end, Iglesias' actions and words resonate with a segment of the population that feels disenfranchised and eager for change. Whether his vision for Podemos will translate into electoral success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the battle for the soul of Spanish politics is far from over.
