Spain confronts Franco’s legacy as symbols of the dictatorship persist

Spain commemorated the 50th anniversary of Francisco Franco's death with a call from Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to reflect on the lessons of the dictatorship. He emphasized the need to defend the democratic freedoms that were lost for many years. Franco's military coup in 1936 led to a civil war and a four-decade dictatorship, ending with his death on November 20, 1975.

Fifty years after the end of Franco's dictatorship, Spain continues to grapple with his legacy, as some segments of the population still valorize his rule. This ongoing struggle reflects a broader societal challenge in reconciling with a past marked by repression and division.

Events commemorating the 50th anniversary of Francisco Franco's death aim to remind young Spaniards of the dangers of fascism. Franco's remains were relocated from the Valley of the Fallen to Mingorrubio cemetery, symbolizing a shift in how Spain confronts its past. The legacy of Franco continues to provoke division in Spanish society.

This week marks 50 years of Spanish democracy, yet there remains a significant lack of discourse regarding the crimes committed during Franco's dictatorship from 1939 to 1975. Many Spaniards, including the author, were born after Franco's death and grew up hearing mostly about the democratic transition that followed. The author reflects on her mother's experiences during the first free elections in 1977, highlighting a collective amnesia that leaves Spain vulnerable to repeating its dark past.