🔗 Share this article Spain Commemorates 50th Anniversary of Francisco Franco's Death Spain has observed the 50th anniversary of dictator Franco's demise with an lack of state ceremonies but with a statement by the premier to heed the lessons of the repressive era and protect democratic liberties that was taken away for decades. Background History Franco, whose military coup against the elected republican government in 1936 led to internal warfare and ushered in generations of authoritarian rule, died in Madrid on the twentieth of November, 1975. Although the socialist government has planned a twelve-month program of activities to commemorate the political evolution, it avoided official ceremonies on the specific date of the leader's passing to prevent claims that it was trying to honor his death. Contemporary Concerns The anniversary comes amid increasing concerns about the lack of knowledge about the repressive era, particularly among the youth. Survey data has shown that more than 21% of respondents felt the dictatorship period was favorable or highly favorable, while another study found nearly 25% of Spaniards aged 18 to 28 felt that an authoritarian regime could in certain circumstances be superior to a democratic government. Government Perspective No democracy – including ours – is perfect, the leader stated. Considerable work lies ahead to create the preferred country and that we can be: a country with enhanced prospects; more rights and less inequality. The national leader, who pointedly did not refer Franco by name, also commented that democracy didn't fall from the sky, stating that current liberties had been achieved through perseverance and resilience of the Spanish people. Commemoration Initiatives The authorities have utilized remembrance laws enacted recently to try to help Spain address historical events. Changing the location's designation – formerly called the Memorial Valley Creating a catalog of assets taken by the government Attempting to remove the remaining emblems of the era Foundation Closure Efforts The administration is currently in the final stages of its initiatives to dissolve the Francisco Franco National Foundation, which operates to maintain and promote the dictator's legacy. The culture minister stated that his ministry was attempting to make sure that the dictator's documents – currently in the possession of the organization – was handed over to the state so it could be accessed by all Spaniards. Political Opposition The opposition conservative People's party is rejecting the administration's program to observe half-century of liberties, as is the far-right Vox party, which rejected the initiative an morbid fascination that divides Spaniards. Historical Legacy More than 500,000 people perished in the civil war, while hundreds of thousands more were forced into exile. Retaliation persisted well after Franco's victory in 1939, and the corpses of countless individuals killed during the war and in its consequences are believed to be in anonymous burial sites. Government Transformation Subsequent to the ruler's passing, Spain started the journey to representative government, organizing open polls in the late seventies and approving a new constitution in a referendum the following year.