Spanish Congress opens disciplinary probe into PP deputy Ana Vázquez

The Spanish Congress has opened a disciplinary proceeding against People's Party (PP) deputy Ana Vázquez following an incident where she displayed a pepper spray canister during a plenary session. Legal services for the Chamber have issued a report concluding that the canister constitutes a "weapon" under parliamentary regulations, making its possession within the precinct prohibited.

The incident, which occurred during a government control session, resulted in 12 people receiving medical attention after the spray was reportedly mishandled and released into the ventilation system. The Congress Board, supported by PSOE and Sumar, has moved to invoke Article 101 of the Regulations, which allows for the temporary suspension of a deputy's status and salary.

Vázquez has ten days to submit her defense. If the Board proposes a suspension, the final decision must be ratified by the Plenary in a secret session. This could mark a historic precedent, as such a disciplinary measure for carrying a weapon has not been applied in this manner since the regulations were established in 1982.