Mon Sep 16 15:09:05 UTC 2024: ## Vox Under Fire for Hiding €9.2 Million Bank Loan Used for Election Campaigns

The hard-right Spanish political party Vox is facing accusations of violating Spanish law after refusing to disclose the names of the banks that provided a €9.2 million loan for its 2023 election campaigns. The party claims it wants to protect lenders from “stigma” but sources close to Vox suggest the real reason is linked to ties with Hungarian banks close to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

According to Spanish newspaper El País, Vox obtained two separate loans, totaling €9.2 million, to finance its campaigns for both the municipal and general elections. This is the first time the party has relied on bank loans in its ten-year history.

Spanish law requires all political parties to publish detailed financial information on their websites, including the names of lenders. Vox, however, has refused to comply, citing concerns about “demonizing” the banks.

Vox spokesperson José Antonio Fúster defended the party’s actions, claiming they are in compliance with the law and that the Spanish Court of Auditors has all the necessary information. However, El País sources argue that the party’s close ties with Hungarian banks, particularly after joining Orbán’s “Patriots for Europe” group, may be the real motivation behind the secrecy.

This is not the first time Vox’s finances have come under scrutiny. In July, the Spanish Court of Auditors sanctioned the party for serious violations of the Law on Party Financing, related to donations received in 2018 and 2019.

Vox’s lack of transparency could have significant legal consequences, as failing to comply with financial obligations is a serious infraction under Spanish law. The situation raises concerns about the party’s financial practices and their potential connection to foreign entities.

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