New Perspectives on the Study of Political Violence in Franco’s Spain

The year 2025 marks the fiftieth anniversary of Francisco Franco's death and the beginning of Spain's transition to democracy (1975-82).The current Spanish government, led by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Snchez, has launched a series of events entitled 50 Aos de Espaa en Libertad (Fifty Years of Spain in Liberty) to commemorate the country's transition from dictatorship to democracy.However, the anniversary has sparked a contentious debate in Spain, reflecting deep-seated divisions over how to approach this historical milestone.The conservative People's Party (PP) and the far-right party Vox have boycotted the government's commemorative events, accusing Snchez of politicising history to divert attention from contemporary issues, including allegations of corruption within his administration.Notably, King Felipe VI did not attend the initial commemorative event, citing scheduling conflicts.Some have interpreted his absence as a deliberate political statement, given that his father, Juan Carlos I, became king of Spain thanks to Franco's succession plan.Meanwhile, the families of Franco's victims continue to seek justice and recognition. 1Recent exhumations from mass graves highlight ongoing efforts to address the atrocities committed during the dictatorship.These actions underscore the lasting impact of Franco's regime and the importance of acknowledging this dark 1 See for instance: