Spain Honors Those Hurt by Franco's Rule

Spain's leaders recently paid tribute to those affected by the country's civil war and the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, just before the 50th anniversary of Franco's death.

Franco's Rise and Reign

Franco seized power in 1936 after a coup against the elected government, sparking a three-year civil war. His forces won, and during his rule, an estimated 114,000 civilians disappeared, likely killed by his regime.

"Memory Is Democracy" Event

The "Memory Is Democracy" event was attended by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who thanked those who fought for democracy. He emphasized the importance of dismantling Franco's dictatorship, which stripped many of their basic rights and freedoms.

Recognizing Victims

Sanchez awarded symbolic recognition to 18 living victims of repression and their descendants:

• Maria Luisa Ramos, who fled to France and survived a Nazi concentration camp.
• The niece of Federico Garcia Lorca, a renowned poet and playwright executed by fascist forces at the start of the war.

Defending Democracy

Sanchez condemned efforts to rewrite history, particularly by the far right, and pledged to safeguard the freedoms gained since Franco's death in 1975.

Legacy and Division

In 2022, Spain passed a law to address Franco's legacy:

• Removing Francoist symbols.
• Supporting the search for victims in mass graves.

However, Spanish society remains divided. A recent poll found that 21.3% of Spaniards view Franco's rule as good or very good for the country.