Rojonel: the colonel tearing Spain's far right apart
The 'rojonel' — a communist to some, a patriot to others, and a Russian spy to a few. The digital war inside the Spanish right.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
The battle over the 'rojonel': communism, patriotism and Russian money
For days now, the entire digital far right has been fighting over a colonel. There is no consensus on who he really is: a hero, a communist infiltrator, a spy on Moscow's payroll, or a simple opportunist. What is clear is that anyone daring to question his status as a communist risks an immediate veto.
The term 'rojonel' condenses the contradiction: 'rojo' (red) and 'coronel' (colonel) in a single word. For some, the figure is a military officer dedicated to geopolitical commentary who defends patriotic values. For others, he is a covert communist who has managed to infiltrate right-wing circles. The starting point of the dispute is the warning that anyone questioning that label will be expelled from the conversation — a heavy-handed way of shutting down debate.
The shadow of Russian propaganda
Among the most serious accusations is that he is paid by Russia's FSB. One comment — offering no evidence — links the colonel to his friend Francisco Sequera and to well-known writers such as Juan Manuel de Prada and Sánchez Dragó, who are said to be 'covert agents' of Eurasianism. These claims belong to the realm of speculation, but they fan the flames.
Expulsion from Vox and background noise
Another blow comes from the colonel's supposed expulsion from Vox, a party some commentators describe as 'lukewarm'. The reference to Revelation 3:16 is no coincidence. The conversation also slips in an analysis of immigration: the 'airborne sieve' of Spain's airports, which contrasts with the visible pressure in Ceuta. That fragment shows that, amid the noise, some people are trying to bring facts to the table.
The result is a portrait of Spanish digital politics: easy labels, cross accusations and total confusion between facts and perceptions. Whether the colonel is a communist, a patriot, a Russian agent or none of the above, nobody knows for sure. But judging by the intensity, we can expect more camps and bans for a while yet.
For days now, the entire digital far right has been fighting over a colonel. There is no consensus on who he really is: a hero, a communist infiltrator, a spy on Moscow's payroll, or a simple opportunist. What is clear is that anyone daring to question his status as a communist risks an immediate veto.
The term 'rojonel' condenses the contradiction: 'rojo' (red) and 'coronel' (colonel) in a single word. For some, the figure is a military officer dedicated to geopolitical commentary who defends patriotic values. For others, he is a covert communist who has managed to infiltrate right-wing circles. The starting point of the dispute is the warning that anyone questioning that label will be expelled from the conversation — a heavy-handed way of shutting down debate.
The shadow of Russian propaganda
Among the most serious accusations is that he is paid by Russia's FSB. One comment — offering no evidence — links the colonel to his friend Francisco Sequera and to well-known writers such as Juan Manuel de Prada and Sánchez Dragó, who are said to be 'covert agents' of Eurasianism. These claims belong to the realm of speculation, but they fan the flames.
Expulsion from Vox and background noise
Another blow comes from the colonel's supposed expulsion from Vox, a party some commentators describe as 'lukewarm'. The reference to Revelation 3:16 is no coincidence. The conversation also slips in an analysis of immigration: the 'airborne sieve' of Spain's airports, which contrasts with the visible pressure in Ceuta. That fragment shows that, amid the noise, some people are trying to bring facts to the table.
The result is a portrait of Spanish digital politics: easy labels, cross accusations and total confusion between facts and perceptions. Whether the colonel is a communist, a patriot, a Russian agent or none of the above, nobody knows for sure. But judging by the intensity, we can expect more camps and bans for a while yet.
Also available in: Deutsch
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (11 replies).
More summaries
-
Russia demands proof from Spain over Ceuta interference claims
Zakharova: without facts, the claim of Russian interference in Ceuta does not stand up. Moscow asks Sánchez for evidence.
-
Ceuta and the grey zone: the strategy Spain refuses to confront
Morocco pressures Spain from the grey zone: cyberattacks, disinformation and an invasion of Ceuta. Proposed responses range from gas supplies to trade and the Sahara.
-
Juan Manuel de Prada impersonation sparks threat of legal action
An impersonation of Spanish writer Juan Manuel de Prada draws praise and a joking threat of a lawsuit. The balance between parody and image rights is at stake.
-
Madrid Mayor Almeida: Viral Video Rumors Debunked
A tweet claims private videos of Madrid's mayor leaked in December 2022. No public evidence exists, only a recurring rumor.
-
Spain puts forward Yolanda Díaz to lead the ILO: a makeover operation?
Spain's government has nominated Yolanda Díaz to head the ILO. Recognition or an agreed exit? Language hurdles, the NATO ghost and the shadow of a gilded retirement.
-
Singing the Cara al Sol outside Moncloa now has official approval
A rally to sing the Cara al Sol, Spain's Franco-era anthem, in front of the Moncloa palace reopens the clash between free speech and historical memory.