Cortes president expels PP deputy after pepper-spray display sparks heated clash

In a turbulent plenary session, Francina Armengol, president of the Cortes, expelled PP lawmaker Ana Vázquez after she displayed a pepper-spray can that local girls in Ceuta are required to carry for self-defence. Citing article 101 of the Arms Regulation, Armengol shouted that the device constituted a weapon and ordered Vázquez to deposit it outside the chamber, threatening a full-session ban if she refused. Vázquez, supported by the popular bench, countered that the can was empty and only 30 ml, claiming the parliamentary board was unaware of the regulation.

The confrontation intensified as Armengol repeatedly interrupted opposition speakers, including Ester Muñoz and Vox spokesperson Pepa Millán, to shield Justice minister Félix Bolaños and Interior minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska from criticism over assaults on judge Beatriz Biedma, who sentenced David Sánchez, brother of Pedro Sánchez. The episode highlighted deep partisan divisions and the volatile security situation in Ceuta.