Madrid: Spain marks the 50th anniversary of General Francisco Franco’s death, highlighting the deep political polarization that still exists over the dictator’s legacy. On November 20, 1975, Franco, at the age of 82, passed away in his bed, a peaceful end unlike the violent regime he led for 36 years, during which opponents were imprisoned, executed, and exiled.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Franco’s rise to power was marked by the overthrow of a democratic republic in a civil war from 1936 to 1939, backed by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths. Spain’s transition from dictatorship to democracy was challenging due to his memory, with a 1977 amnesty designed to ease tensions. However, Spain still struggles to reach a consensus on its difficult past, as noted by Paloma Roman, a political science professor at Madrid’s Complutense University.
An October survey reveals the societal fractures Franco left behind, with a majority viewing the dictatorship negatively. Yet, over one-fifth of respondents considered it “good” or “very good,” a sentiment fueled by misinformation on social media, experts warn. Roman emphasizes the importance of education to prevent the rewriting of history for those who did not live through the dictatorship.
Current political polarization further complicates these divisions. The leftist government prioritizes honoring Franco’s victims, clashing with the conservative opposition, which accuses it of rekindling old conflicts. In 2019, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s government removed Franco’s remains from a mausoleum, aiming to end its use as a far-right symbol. A 2022 memory law established a victim register and mandates the removal of Francoist symbols.
This year, the government celebrates 50 years of freedoms, such as women’s and LGBTQ rights, gained since Franco’s death. The Popular Party accuses Sanchez of using “the Franco card” to divert attention from corruption scandals, while far-right Vox criticizes the government as the worst in 80 years, including Franco’s rule.
No official events are planned for November 20, but the Francisco Franco Foundation and his family have organized a mass to honor him. The fascist Falange movement plans a march in Madrid on Friday, with an anti-fascist counter-protest on Saturday, underscoring ongoing tensions.
Ceremonies in the royal palace and parliament on Friday will commemorate the restoration of the monarchy on November 22, 1975. However, former king Juan Carlos, appointed by Franco and key in the democratic transition, will not attend due to scandals. His recent memoirs, expressing respect for Franco, have sparked backlash in Spain.