Franco commemoration: a nation divided between memory and argument!

Franco commemoration: a nation divided between memory and argument!

Reina-Sofía-Museum, Madrid, Spanien - The 50th anniversary of the death of the controversial dictator Francisco Franco on November 20, 2025 in Spain is celebrated in Spain with more than 100 memorial events under the motto "Spain in freedom". Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced these celebrations as part of a ceremony in the Madrid Reina-Sofía Museum in order to honor the profound changes that Franco initiated for the country after his death. However, criticism comes from the ranks of the opposition, which sees the events as an attempt to distract from the problems of the left government. The conservative People's Party (PP) in particular distances itself from the celebrations and accuses Sánchez of politically exploiting the dictator. In the debate, King Felipe VI. mentioned, which was not present on this day due to another official appointment, but will take part in other events to memory of Franco, such as when visiting concentration camps in Auschwitz and Mauthausen, where many Spaniards were murdered from the dictator, like notes notes.

The memories of the dark time under Franco and the resulting “Pact of Silence”, which should prevent the dark chapters of Spanish history, are the focus of the processed discussion. Political experts warn that dealing with Franco's heir significantly affects not only the current political landscape, but also the social climate in the country. The memorial events could be seen as an attempt to revive the memories and conflicts of the past, while the country continues to be faced with the challenges of the present.