Bullets and daggers posted to Spanish politicians trigger war of words

The left says threats show the risk of "fascism" in next week's Madrid election, while the right says such letters are a long-standing part of political life

SUR

Friday, 30 April 2021, 09:25

The political campaigning for the bitterly fought Madrid regional elections taking place next week (4 May) has been focused this week on menacing packages sent to ministers and other left-wing politicians.

Faced with a rise in popularity of far-right Vox in the polls in the capital, parties on the left have linked the deliveries to a surge in "fascism" and intimidation. In contrast, right-wing parties have underplayed their significance, saying aggressive hate mail was normal for many politicians. They claim highlighting it is a tactic to divert attention from the "real issues" of the election campaign.

Right-leaning parties in the lead for Tuesday's Madrid vote

Last Friday, leader of Unidas Podemos Pablo Iglesias stormed out of a radio debate between candidates when the local leader of Vox, Rocío Monasterio, didn't condemn the letters strongly enough for his liking.

Besides a letter sent to Iglesias with four bullets, similar packages also reached the offices of the Interior Minister and the head of the Guardia Civil.

Vox suggested that the letters could be fake and attention turned to how they managed to evade strict post office scanning. One person was reportedly removed from their position by Correos.

The Industry minister also appeared in the media this week to talk about a bloody knife received in the post, although the alleged sender, with a mental health condition, was found soon afterwards after adding his return address.

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