Madrid President Ayuso Creates Rift Within PP With Pro-Israel Stance on Gaza
Madrid, September 2025 – A deepening internal divide within Spain’s People’s Party (PP) has surfaced over the conflict in Gaza, with Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the community of Madrid, publicly diverging from the more measured approach adopted by PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo. Ayuso’s actions are creating tension within the party as she actively signals support for Israel while Feijóo has voiced criticism of the “civilian massacre” occurring there.
The disagreement highlights a broader pattern of Ayuso staking out self-reliant positions, often positioning herself as a counterpoint to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and reinforcing her internal leadership ambitions. This latest clash underscores the delicate balance of power within the PP, where Ayuso’s popularity and distinct political style are both an asset and a potential source of disruption. The rift could impact the party’s messaging and unity as it navigates a sensitive international issue.
Ayuso has taken concrete steps demonstrating her alignment with Israel.She has banned Palestinian flags and any symbols supporting Gaza from public and subsidized schools in the Madrid region. Furthermore,she announced plans to publicly honor Jonas Vingegaard,winner of the Cycling Tour,and present a gold medal to race organizers,despite ongoing protests related to the event’s sponsors.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Sources within the PP note Ayuso has a history of entering debates Feijóo prefers to avoid, actively establishing herself as an opposition figure to Sánchez.Some party leaders believe this strategy is a deliberate attempt to divert attention from her regional governance in Madrid, though they acknowledge it hasn’t diminished her support base.
Her populist style,reminiscent of former Prime Minister José María Aznar,is increasingly contrasted with Feijóo’s “sensible and responsible” approach,according to several PP “barons” – influential regional leaders. The diverging strategies raise questions about the party’s future direction and the potential for further internal friction.