Franco commemoration: A nation divided between memory and strife!

Franco commemoration: A nation divided between memory and strife!

The 50th anniversary of the death of the controversial dictator Francisco Franco on November 20, 2025 will be celebrated in Spain with more than 100 commemorative events under the motto “Spain in Freedom”. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced these celebrations at a ceremony at Madrid's Reina Sofía Museum to honor the profound changes Franco introduced to 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-wing government. The conservative People's Party (PP) in particular distanced itself from the celebrations and accused Sánchez of exploiting the dictator politically. The absence of King Felipe VI is also discussed in the debate. mentioned, who was not present that day due to another official appointment, but will take part in other events in memory of Franco, such as visiting concentration camps in Auschwitz and Mauthausen, where many Spaniards who fled the dictator were murdered, such as the standard reported.

The commemorative events are not only politically sensitive, but also emotionally charged, because the memories of Franco continue to divide society today. While the government points to the end of authoritarian rule and the return to democracy, the right sees Franco as a defender and modernizer of Spain. Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Madrid capital region, calls the commemorations “crazy” and warns of a possible call for violence by Sánchez, who wants to provide a platform for the extreme left. The right-wing extremist Vox party, which is now the third strongest force in the Madrid parliament, also distances itself from the celebrations and describes them as a divisive vision of the past Small newspaper notes.

The memories of the dark times under Franco and the resulting “pact of silence”, which was intended to prevent the dark chapters of Spanish history from being discussed, are at the center of the confusing discussion. Political experts warn that how Franco's legacy is dealt with has a significant influence not only on the current political landscape, but also on the social climate in the country. The commemorations could be seen as an attempt to revive the memories and conflicts of the past as the country continues to face the challenges of the present.