Former Spanish Right-Wing Politician Alejo Vidal-Quadras Shot in the Face; Investigation Underway with Possible Links to Iran Suspected

78-year-old Vidal-Quadras Shot by Motorbike Assailant in Madrid's Salamanca Neighborhood; Authorities Investigate Possible Iranian Connections Due to Victim's Ties with Iran Opposition Groups

Alejo Vidal-Quadras, a 78-year-old former leader of Spain's conservative Popular Party (PP) and a founder of the far-right Vox party, was shot in the face in Madrid's Salamanca neighborhood by a motorbike assailant.
There is speculation that the shooting could be linked to Vidal-Quadras' connections with Iranian opposition groups, as he has been aligned with Iran's opposition-in-exile for several years. However, a police source said that there is currently no evidence supporting this.
Shortly before the attack, Vidal-Quadras had criticized a political agreement reached by Spain's socialist Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, and Catalan separatist leader, Carles Puigdemont.
Vidal-Quadras is known for his strong opposition to Catalan separatism, and the shooting has occurred amid tense political times in Spain towards Catalonia. The Vox party, which Vidal-Quadras co-founded, is now Spain’s third-largest political force.
Vidal-Quadras was taken to hospital after the shooting, where he remains in a stable condition. His shooting has triggered reactions from various political figures, including Sanchez and Abascal, who wished him a speedy recovery.