The absence of King Felipe VI at events related to Franco generates intense political debates.

The recent absence of King Felipe VI at the inauguration of the commemorative events for the death of the dictator Francisco Franco has sparked various comments in the Spanish political arena. Eva García Sempere, Secretary of Organization for Izquierda Unida (IU), has described this decision as "coherent," pointing out that "everyone knows who installed the monarchy." This statement highlights the historical connection between the Francoist dictatorship and the establishment of the monarchy in Spain, a topic that continues to generate divisions and debates in society. García Sempere emphasized that the monarch's absence is an act that aligns with the history of the Spanish monarchy, suggesting that Franco's figure played a crucial role in the establishment of the current monarchical regime. "It seems coherent with what he has been defending," she added, suggesting that Felipe VI's refusal to participate in the event reflects a broader stance on Franco's legacy and its relationship with the monarchy. On the other hand, the IU leader announced that the federal coordinator of the party, Antonio Maíllo, will indeed attend these commemorative events, underscoring the importance of addressing historical memory not from a nostalgic perspective, but focusing on the "search for truth, justice, and reparations." This statement highlights IU's commitment to a critical review of the past and the need to recognize and repair the injustices suffered during the Francoist regime. During her speech, García Sempere also addressed the case of Juana Rivas, who has been at the center of a controversial custody dispute involving her children. The Secretary of Organization for IU expressed her support for Rivas, emphasizing that "an abuser can never be a good father." This comment underscores IU's stance on protecting victims of gender-based violence and the importance of considering the welfare of children in family conflict situations. Additionally, García Sempere called for collaboration from the Ministry of Youth and Childhood, led by Sira Rego, to ensure the protection of children's rights in this case. The Ministry's involvement in supporting Juana Rivas underscores the need for a governmental approach that prioritizes the best interests of the child in risky situations. In her address, the IU leader also criticized the persistence of a patriarchal system that, according to her, "continues to protect aggressors" and "criminalizes protective mothers." This observation highlights IU's struggle to transform social structures that perpetuate gender-based violence and favor perpetrators at the expense of victims. The current political context, marked by historical memory and the fight against gender-based violence, intertwines in this discourse. King Felipe VI's absence from such a symbolic event as the commemoration of Franco's death can be interpreted as a reflection of the existing tensions in Spanish society regarding its dictatorial past and how it has been addressed in democracy. Furthermore, the stance of Almeida, who has refused to participate in what he refers to as "pamemas" of President Sánchez, reinforces the perception that Franco's legacy remains a polarizing issue in the Spanish political landscape. Almeida argues that freedom did not come with Franco's death but with the establishment of democracy, highlighting the diversity of interpretations regarding the impact and memory of the dictatorship in the present. As the commemorative events unfold, it is evident that the debate over Franco's legacy and the monarchy, as well as the fight against gender-based violence, will continue to be pressing issues demanding attention and reflection in Spanish society. The position of IU and the responses from other political actors reflect a country seeking a deeper understanding of its history and a commitment to social justice.