A video confronting Begoña Gomez, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, is just the latest in a long line of controversies involving Vito Quiles – a figure who has built his public profile around confrontation, provocation and viral moments.
Quiles, often described as a far-right activist, has become a familiar presence in Spanish political circles, particularly in and around Congress.
His style is to approach politicians with a camera, ask aggressive questions and push interactions until they escalate.
A method built on confrontation
His approach has drawn repeated criticism from politicians across the spectrum.
On one occasion, finance minister Maria Jesus Montero pushed back during an exchange, saying: ‘No, you don’t have the right to invade my space when you question me.’
Quiles frequently follows MPs through corridors, interrupts interviews and targets public figures – particularly those from left-wing parties – in an effort to provoke reactions.
Members of the Sumar alliance have also publicly criticised his behaviour, with one remarking: ‘Enough already. What is this – are they going to come here week after week?’
Backlash from journalists
His actions haven’t just angered politicians. Accredited journalists working in Congress have complained that his presence disrupts their work and undermines professional standards.
Some have even called for him to be removed from the parliamentary press corps altogether.
Quiles already has an open disciplinary file for repeatedly breaching Congress rules.
Accusations of misinformation and harassment
Beyond his confrontational style, he has also been accused of spreading false information online.
One widely criticised incident involved a video in which he claimed donated clothing for flood victims in Valencia was being thrown away.
‘They are throwing away all the clothes you donated,’ he said, in a claim later debunked.
He has also faced complaints and legal actions over alleged slander, harassment and the publication of personal data.
In one instance, he threatened: ‘I’m going to publish your face on social media – and maybe your address too.’
Authorities have previously fined him €10,000 for disrupting a demonstration against gender-based violence.
Links to Spain’s far-right ecosystem
Quiles operates within a wider network of right-wing media and political figures. He has collaborated with controversial media personality Javier Negre and has worked as press officer for activist Alvise Perez.
He has even appeared on electoral lists linked to that political movement.
Despite presenting himself at times as a journalist, influencer or political commentator, critics argue that his main activity is generating outrage and attention online.
A figure who thrives on attention
Whether in the halls of Congress or on the streets, Quiles continues to insert himself into high-profile situations.
His critics say the goal is simple: create conflict, capture it on camera, and turn it into content.
And by that measure, his strategy is working.
