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Spain has commemorated the 50th anniversary of Francisco Franco's death with an no formal commemorations but with a statement by the premier to learn from the history of the authoritarian regime and protect democratic liberties that was taken away for decades.

Background History

Franco, whose military coup against the legitimate government in 1936 led to internal warfare and brought about four decades of repressive regime, passed away in Madrid on the twentieth of November, 1975.

While the current administration has arranged an extended calendar of events to mark the post-Franco transformation, it ruled out any state acts on the specific date of the ruler's demise to prevent claims that it was attempting to glorify his death.

Contemporary Concerns

The commemoration occurs during rising apprehension about the limited understanding about the authoritarian period, particularly among the youth.

Research findings has indicated that over one-fifth of participants felt the dictatorship period was favorable or highly favorable, while another study found nearly 25% of youth population felt that an authoritarian regime could sometimes be preferable to a democratic government.

Administration View

All democratic systems have flaws, the prime minister wrote. Considerable work lies ahead to create the preferred country and that we can be: a country with enhanced prospects; expanded liberties and diminished inequity.

The national leader, who consciously omitted naming Franco by name, also noted that freedom wasn't freely given, stating that current liberties had been secured by the determination and persistence of the population.

Commemoration Initiatives

The government has used historical memory legislation passed in recent years to assist the nation come to terms with its past.

• Renaming the historical site – once named the Valley of the Fallen
• Developing a registry of assets taken by the government
• Working to strip Spain the last vestiges of Francoist symbols

Organization Shutdown Attempts

The administration is currently in the final stages of its efforts to close the dictatorship foundation, which operates to maintain and support the regime's heritage.

The cultural affairs official stated that his office was working to guarantee that the historical records – currently in the possession of the institution – was given to national authorities so it could be open to the public.

Political Resistance

The opposition conservative People's party is boycotting the government's initiative to observe half-century of liberties, as is the conservative faction, which called the effort an unnecessary obsession that splits the population.

Past Consequences

Numerous citizens died during the conflict, while numerous others were compelled to leave.

Punitive measures extended extensively following the war in 1939, and the corpses of countless individuals who perished in the violence and in its aftermath are thought to remain in unmarked mass graves.

Political Evolution

Following the leader's demise, Spain embarked on the transition back to democracy, conducting democratic voting in 1977 and adopting a modern framework in a referendum the following year.