La Liga president Javier Tebas backs far-right Spanish political party Vox, saying 'I will vote for them'
Tebas would support the party despite their attempts to scrap laws against domestic violence and end immigration
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.La Liga president Javier Tebas has gone public with his support for far-right Spanish political party Vox, saying he would vote for them at the next election.
The far-right nationalist group recently scored its first significant political win in regional elections, gaining enough votes to help form a coalition in the autonomous region of Andalucia.
But their policies continue to be controversial and women marched this week in over 140 separate protests against their ascent to power. Vox seeks to repeal the law against domestic violence, arguing it is unfair on men. Vox also opposes same-sex marriage and abortion and leader Santiago Abascal has called for an end to immigration.
Tebas was on Spanish radio this week when he was asked about Spain's political changing landscape, and having been a member of the fascist Fuerza Nueva party in the 1980s he was asked his opinion on the surging far-right party of 2019.
"They seem good to me", Tebas said on Cadena Cope. "I've been saying it for a while. Spain needed an alternative like Vox. You have to respect the 400,000 people that have voted for them in Andalucia. If they stay on this line then I will vote for Vox.
"I'm not a militant but I am a voter. If I work for Spanish football then I work for Spain and the Spanish brand."
The 56 year old has a history of making strong political statements, previously discussing his past with Fuerza Nueva and expressing his support for fascist politicians in neighbouring France.
"If extreme right means to defend the unity of Spain, life and the Catholic way of life, I am in that group and I continue to think the same as when I was in Fuerza Nueva," Tebas admitted in a 2016 interview in which he also heaped praise on French far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Le Pen has called for an end to all immigration, the 'de-Islamisation' of France and withdrawal from the Schengen area.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments