Franco : One country, two memories

Franco’s regime is still a part of Spain history whether they are proud of it or no. And as much as it hurts the victims to see the person responsible for their loved ones and siblings’ death, it is also a reminder to not let such things happen again. However, the case of Spain is particular. Slavery was condemned and is recognized as a horror that took place while people argue that there is no proof that Franco’s regime committed any crimes or killings.

Dictator Francisco Franco’s remains will leave the Valley of the Fallen this morning for Mingorrubio state cemetery where his wife is buried. After all the controversy and protests the Spanish socialist government decided to remove him from the state mausoleum.

The fascist dictator executed thousands of its opponents and sent hundreds to concentration and Nazi’s death camps. With support of Hitler and Mussolini, he took the nationalist to power in 1939.His rule lasted 36 years and ended at his death in 1975 when the transition to democracy was made. Half a millions people died during the civil war.

 Francisco Franco’s and his supporters are nostalgic of the dictatorship. They argue that he protected the country against communism and Spain experience full employment under his rule while the victims of the regime want justice justice for the dictatorship crimes.

The monument became a rally point for Franco’s admirers, especially on October the 20^th the anniversary of his death. Supreme Court approved the removal of its remains in late September.

This case reminded me of an episode of Designated Survivor. The presence of a statue of a notorious white supremacist in a town was questioned by the black community. It reminded them of slavery and they wanted the statue to be removed, as it celebrated a time of great pain, discrimination and violence against their community. However, a black man known for being a civil rights advocate, Reverend Dale opposed the removal or relocation of the statue elsewhere.

This is what he replied to a white woman pointing a finger at him for his stand:  “You don’t know what it is to walk in my shoes; I won’t always be round to tell you, the statue stays.”

Reverend Dale had a point. As painful as it was to see the statue of this man reminding him the pain and injustices committed against his race, it is important not to try to suppress part of history. Moreover, the presence of the statue is also a way to prevent such things to happen in the future, and be a reminder of slavery.

Indeed, the government of Franco and his collaborators have never been investigated, punished or judged for the crimes committed during that period. Whenever, someone tries to do so the lawyers The Minister of Justice told journalists last month that Spain is a democracy and people are free to admire Franco if they wish adding that the past must be left alone. Mussolini and Hitler are not celebrated and do not have monuments in their respective countries where they can be celebrated. But Francoism is another story.

Several people interviewed after his remains were exhumed stated that there were issues more important in Spain to focus on. And that the socialist government did it now to secure support for the upcoming election not by conviction.