Spain Observes Half-Century Mark of Dictator Franco's Demise
Spain has marked the 50th anniversary of Franco's passing with an absence of official events but with a call from the prime minister to understand the warnings of the authoritarian regime and protect democratic liberties that was taken away for generations.
Historical Context
Franco, whose military coup against the elected republican government in 1936 triggered a civil war and resulted in forty years of dictatorship, succumbed in Madrid on 20 November 1975.
While the current administration has planned a twelve-month program of activities to commemorate the democratic transition, it ruled out any state acts on the actual anniversary of the dictator's death to avoid accusations that it was trying to honor his death.
Current Issues
The anniversary comes amid growing worries about the lack of knowledge about the authoritarian period, particularly among the youth.
Recent polling has indicated that over one-fifth of those surveyed felt the dictatorship period was good or very good, while further polling found nearly 25% of youth population felt that an authoritarian regime could sometimes be preferable to a democratic government.
Official Position
Every democracy has imperfections, the prime minister wrote. Significant progress is needed to create the preferred country and that we can be: a country with enhanced prospects; increased freedoms and reduced disparity.
The premier, who pointedly did not refer Franco by name, also noted that democracy didn't fall from the sky, stating that present-day rights had been obtained via resilience and resilience of the Spanish people.
Historical Memory Efforts
The authorities have utilized historical memory legislation introduced three years ago to support the country address historical events.
- Changing the location's designation – previously known as the Memorial Valley
- Creating a catalog of property confiscated during the era
- Seeking to eliminate the remaining emblems of the era
Foundation Closure Efforts
The authorities are presently in the last phases of its attempts to shut down the Franco legacy organization, which operates to maintain and promote the dictator's legacy.
The heritage department head stated that his department was seeking to ensure that the dictator's documents – currently in the possession of the organization – was given to national authorities so it could be accessed by all Spaniards.
Political Resistance
The main conservative opposition is boycotting the government's initiative to observe half-century of liberties, as is the conservative faction, which called the effort an unnecessary obsession that splits the population.
Historical Legacy
Over half a million individuals died during the conflict, while numerous others were made to flee the country.
Punitive measures extended extensively following the war in 1939, and the corpses of countless individuals killed during the war and in its aftermath are believed to be in unmarked mass graves.
Government Transformation
After the dictator's death, Spain started the journey to representative government, holding free elections in the late seventies and ratifying a fresh charter in a referendum the following year.
