Clashes erupted at a Sevilla university on Thursday when far-right agitator Vito Quiles arrived as part of his ‘national tour’.
The self-described activist had planned to engage with students on the campus of the University Pablo de Olavide (UPO).
However, chaos unfolded when fights broke out between large groups of his supporters and opponents at around 7.30pm.
Policia Nacional officers could be seen in videos shared online separating people while holding Quiles back as he riled up the crowd by waving a flag and throwing his arms in the air.
Dozens of young people were seen waving Spanish, Carlist and Francoist flags, many with flags tied around their waists.
Among the placards visible was one bearing the slogan: ‘Fuera fascistas de la Universidad’ (fascists off our campus).
At the heart of the uproar was the planned appearance of Quiles, who is on a Spain‑wide university tour called ‘España Combativa’ (Fighting Spain).
The UPO issued a statement on October 17, making clear that it ‘does not authorise or support the holding of ‘España Combativa’, led by Vito Quiles’.
The university added that it refuses to back events ‘which imply no educational or academic content, pursue to disrupt public order, attack peaceful coexistence and generate conflicts and altercations whose consequences have already been observed at the Autonomous University of Barcelona.’
Who is Vito Quiles?
Born in Elche in 2000, Vito Zoppellari Quiles is a political commentator, known for his activity on social media. Many of his videos, in which he confronts politicians on the street or in parliament, have gone viral on platforms like X.
According to a recent report in El País, his touring university speeches ‘promote a discourse that presents itself as defending freedom of expression, but which is geared towards polarising and attacking progressivism.’
In an interview with The Objective, Vito Quiles admitted that his style is not ‘to practice journalism to the letter’ and that he is ‘waging a cultural battle, a more ideological, more media-driven war.’
Announcing his tour on October 6, Quiles wrote on X: ‘Following the murder of Charlie Kirk at the hands of the left, it makes more sense than ever to champion freedom where it is most threatened.
‘I present to you the #EspañaCombativa tour in which we will raise our voices in Spain’s public universities. See you in your classrooms!’
In January 2025, Quiles was summoned to declare before the Court of Instruction 18 in Sevilla in an investigation for alleged crimes of injuries and slander over online remarks.
Quiles is under investigation for alleged injuries and slander against Ruben Sanchez, secretary‑general of consumer organisation FACUA‑Consumidores en Accion.
According to the complaint, Quiles accused Sánchez of ‘extortion and scams’ and suggested links to child‑abuse schemes
He appeared via videoconference before the Juzgado de Instrucción 18 in Sevilla and invoked his right not to testify.
During a public exchange with comedian David Broncano, Quiles published a video edited in his favour and asked Broncano if he felt like a ‘marionette of Pedro Sánchez,’ raising accusations of political bias and misleading editing. Broncano condemned the ‘incredible editing.’
Political figure Pablo Iglesias labelled Quiles a ‘provocateur’ and ‘escuadrista’ (a reference to far‑right militancy).
What happened in Sevilla?
Quiles’ presence in Sevilla followed similar events elsewhere. On Wednesday October 23, a rally linked to his tour took place outside the Faculty of Law at the Universidad de Granada.
That event was likewise marked by clashes, large police deployment and verbal confrontations between opposing groups.
Despite the Sevilla university’s refusal to authorise the campus event, the gathering went ahead outside the UPO grounds. The dual presence of supporters and opponents, visible tension, and chanting of extremist slurs highlight the volatile nature of the event.
While Quiles describes his message as ‘patriotic’ and pro‑freedom, his critics argue that his platform challenges democratic norms under the guise of controversy.
Quiles’ next stop is Malaga university on
