Valencia strips Franco of ‘Honorary Mayor’ title
Fransisco Franco
A judge in the Spanish city of Valencia has recently stripped former dictator Fransisco Franco of his title of ‘Honorary Mayor,’ awarded to him in May 1939. Compromis, a’s left-wing coalition, said that
“To maintain this distinction for the top figure in the military uprising and subsequent dictatorship is a clear attack on the legal system.”
This is just one of many recent cases stripping Franco of honors awarded during his reign, which lasted until his death in 1975.
Two years ago one of the last remaining statues of El Claudillo, was removed from the army headquarters of Valencia to comply with the Law of Historical Memory, which orders the elimination of all public symbols of the fascist regime.
Since the law came into effect in 2007, statues of Franco have been pulled down, many of the names of streets and plazas honouring the dictator and his cohorts have changed and other references praising the dictatorship have been erased.
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To read more ALBA coverage of the Law of Historical Memory, click here or here.
Actions such as these that eliminate the glorified image of a Franco is a great way of reinforcing that Spain has returned to democracy.
It is crucial that Spain continues to remove Francos symbols of glory and honor. Doing so allows for the nation to continue to develop in a progressive manner. Allowing for Franco to keep his titles portrays pride in an oppressive past.
What I find funny is that so many memorials to him have managed to still exist, years after his death and the end of the his government. Is it due to laziness, or are old Franco supporters trying to keep these vestiges in place?
Surprisingly, El Carmen, Valencia’s most famous district, has managed to retain its authentic feel, despite its location in the centre of the Old Town and being a firm favourite on the tourist track. The district is renowned for its quirky look and late opening hours of its tiny bars, whilst the liberal vibe has also made it a Mecca for hippies.