Former Catalan politician shot in the face in Madrid

The former president of Spain’s Popular Party (PP) in Catalonia, Alejo Vidal-Quadras, was shot in the face in Madrid on Thursday afternoon, a spokesman for Spain’s Interior Ministry told CNN.

“He has been taken conscious to the hospital, whilst National Police agents are investigating the facts”, the spokesman added. The incident happened around 1.30pm local time.

Vidal-Quadras is one of the founder members of the far-right party Vox, currently the third largest force in the lower house of Spanish parliament.

Spanish police said they were hunting two men in connection with the shooting who were on a black motorbike, Reuters reported.

Vox Party President Santiago Abascal told reporters on Thursday afternoon that “it’s too early to make conjectures but we don’t rule out any motive in what was an attack” referring to the incident.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that he hoped those responsible for the attack would be arrested.

“I would like to send my solidarity and wishes for a speedy recovery to Alejo Vidal-Quadras,” wrote Sanchez in a post on X.

“All my affection during time for him and his family. We hope the investigation can clarify the facts as soon as possible and those responsible will be arrested.”

Vidal-Quadras, 78, was an important figure in the Catalonian PP party before leaving to help found Vox, a far-right party that has surged in popularity since it was formed in 2013.

In his career he has held a number of elected positions including being a member of the Catalonian regional parliament in Barcelona and a Member of the European Parliament.

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