Resurgence of Francoism: A Reflection on Spain's Dark Past

In recent months, Spain has witnessed a notable increase in support for far-right political parties, particularly Vox, which has nearly doubled its projected vote share since 2023. A survey by the state-run pollster CIS revealed that 21.3% of Spaniards view the era of dictator Francisco Franco as "good" or "very good," a significant rise from 11.2% in 2000. Among young Spaniards aged 18-24, 17.3% expressed a preference for authoritarian governance, marking a 10-point increase since 2009. This trend has sparked concerns about a revival of Franco's legacy among disaffected youth, aided by social media platforms that disseminate revisionist narratives and glorify the dictator's era.

ReutersThe Guardian

Since taking office in 2018, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's Socialist-led government has implemented measures aimed at confronting Spain's fascist past. These include exhuming the remains of Franco's victims, designating sites of repression as "democratic memory" locations, and removing Franco-era symbols from public spaces. However, these initiatives have faced legal challenges from the conservative People's Party (PP) and Vox, who argue that such actions are divisive and politically motivated. Vox lawmaker Manuel Mariscal has suggested that young people are discovering a narrative that frames the post-civil war years as a time of national unity and progress.

ReutersThe Guardian

Spain's transition to democracy following Franco's death in 1975 has been characterized by a lack of thorough reckoning with the past. While the country has made significant economic strides since the dictatorship, the political and social ramifications of Francoism remain largely unaddressed. Historians like Steven Forti emphasize that younger generations, having not experienced the dictatorship firsthand, are susceptible to the allure of authoritarianism. Critics argue that the absence of a comprehensive historical narrative in education has contributed to a collective amnesia regarding the dictatorship's human rights abuses.

Reuters

Opponents of the government's approach, including Juan Chicharro, president of the Franco Foundation, contend that efforts to erase Franco's legacy are futile, asserting that ideas cannot be extinguished. Meanwhile, advocates for victims of Francoism, such as Emilio Silva, highlight the ongoing presence of Francoist sentiments in contemporary Spain. Carmina Gustran, a historian involved in commemorative events, argues for the necessity of addressing disinformation and enhancing education to foster a more informed citizenry.

Reuters

The Spanish government has committed to dissolving the Franco Foundation, a process expected to be lengthy and legally contentious. Gustran has stated, "You cannot close a wound that hasn't healed; if it isn't cleaned it will get infected," underscoring the need for a more robust engagement with Spain's historical narrative.

Reuters

• “many young people are discovering that the post-civil war years weren't a dark period, but rather one of reconstruction, progress and reconciliation to achieve national unity” — Manuel Mariscal, Vox Lawmaker

Reuters

• “Francoism remains in Spain. There are hundreds of traces. Franco is still buried in a tomb paid for with my taxes.” — Emilio Silva, Victims' Advocate

Reuters

• “They can extinguish it and outlaw it, but they'll never extinguish ideas.” — Juan Chicharro, Franco Foundation President

Reuters

• “But when you don’t fully reckon with the past, it can return to haunt you.” — María, Commentator

The Guardian

The resurgence of far-right sentiments in Spain raises critical questions about the nation's ability to confront its past and the implications for its democratic future.

Reuters