Spain Marks Half-Century Mark of Dictator Franco's Demise
Spain has commemorated the five-decade milestone of dictator Franco's demise with an absence of official events but with a message from the government leader to heed the lessons of the dictatorship and safeguard democratic rights that was taken away for decades.
Background History
Franco, whose rebellion against the legitimate government in 1936 triggered a civil war and resulted in forty years of repressive regime, died in Madrid on 20 November 1975.
While the current administration has arranged an extended calendar of programs to observe the democratic transition, it avoided official ceremonies on the specific date of the dictator's death to prevent claims that it was trying to honor his death.
Current Issues
The commemoration occurs during rising apprehension about the lack of knowledge about the authoritarian period, particularly among the youth.
Research findings has revealed that more than 21% of participants felt the Franco regime was positive or excellent, while another study found nearly 25% of young Spanish adults felt that an authoritarian regime could in certain circumstances be superior to a democratic system.
Administration View
Every democracy has imperfections, the official noted. Much remains to be done to forge the Spain we want and that we can be: a place of more opportunity; increased freedoms and reduced disparity.
The premier, who deliberately avoided mentioning Franco by name, also commented that liberties weren't automatically granted, stating that present-day rights had been secured by the determination and fortitude of citizens.
Commemoration Initiatives
The government has used remembrance laws passed in recent years to support the country reconcile with history.
- Renaming the historical site – formerly called the Memorial Valley
- Compiling an inventory of property confiscated during the era
- Working to strip Spain the last vestiges of Francoist symbols
Foundation Closure Efforts
The authorities are presently in the final stages of its initiatives to dissolve the Francisco Franco National Foundation, which operates to maintain and support the regime's heritage.
The heritage department head announced that his department was seeking to make sure that Franco's official archive – currently in the possession of the organization – was given to national authorities so it could be open to the public.
Political Resistance
The main conservative opposition is rejecting the administration's program to celebrate 50 years of democracy, as is the conservative faction, which called the effort an absurd necrophilia that creates division among citizens.
Historical Legacy
Over half a million individuals died during the conflict, while numerous others were forced into exile.
Reprisals continued long after the conflict ended in 1939, and the corpses of countless individuals killed during the war and in its consequences are thought to remain in unidentified collective tombs.
Democratic Transition
Following the leader's demise, Spain embarked on the transition back to democracy, conducting democratic voting in the late seventies and adopting a modern framework in a public ballot afterward.
