Podemos demands a referendum from the PSOE on the Head of State in Spain.

Podemos has made a significant statement on this Wednesday, urging the PSOE to consider holding a referendum on the Head of State. This proposal arises in the context of commemorative events organized by the government and other entities, marking the 50th anniversary of the death of dictator Francisco Franco. The purple party demands that the Executive not limit itself to symbolic ceremonies but take concrete measures to address historical injustices and the memory of the victims of Francoism. During the press conference, Pablo Fernández, spokesperson for Podemos, applauded the government’s initiative to hold an event at the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid, but warned that it is necessary to move beyond public acts. Fernández emphasized the urgency of implementing initiatives that truly repair the victims of the dictatorship, a topic that has been recurrent in Spanish political discourse in recent decades. The proposal for a referendum allowing citizens to decide whether to continue with the monarchy or opt for a republic has resonated strongly, as the spokesperson reminded that this option was not possible during the democratic transition following Franco’s regime. Fernández highlighted that the existence of the monarchy in Spain is a product of a decision imposed by the dictator, which limits the true expression of popular will. The Podemos spokesperson has taken it a step further by questioning the legitimacy of the current Head of State, suggesting that the PSOE should support a referendum, even if it is not binding, so that the Spanish people have the opportunity to democratically decide on the form of state they desire. "If the PSOE believes in democracy and freedom, it should take this step," Fernández stated, insisting that the country’s history deserves a critical and participatory review. At the same time, Podemos has expressed its opinion on the absence of King Felipe VI and leaders of the Popular Party at the commemorative event. Fernández described these absences as "coherent," arguing that the recent history of the country is intrinsically linked to figures imposed by the Franco regime. In his analysis, the relationship between the PP and Francoism is undeniable, suggesting that the conservative party draws from this heritage through its members and history. The criticism of the PSOE was not limited to its role in the monarchy but also encompassed its current management. Fernández argued that the PSOE acts as a pillar of a "corrupt monarchy" and suggested that it should echo popular demands instead of perpetuating a system that many consider obsolete. The need for justice and reparation for the victims of Francoism continues to be a contentious issue in Spanish political debate. On the other hand, the day was also marked by the internal conflict between PSOE and Sumar regarding the reduction of the workweek to 37.5 hours. In this context, Isa Serra, MEP and spokesperson for Podemos, criticized the government's "paralysis" in the current legislature. Serra pointed out that the lack of progress in this area reflects a broader problem, which includes the abuse of unpaid overtime, a phenomenon affecting many workers in the country. Discontent over labor conditions adds to the climate of uncertainty surrounding the government’s policies, which are expected to fulfill the promises made in the legislature. The MEP demanded an immediate solution, emphasizing that the reduction of the workweek is a crucial issue for citizens’ quality of life and for justice in the labor realm. Podemos’s comments on historical memory and labor rights fit within a broader context of debate about the legacy of Francoism and the need to build a more just and equitable society. The intersection of these issues suggests that the path to reconciliation and justice in Spain is still far from being achieved. Thus, the proposal for a referendum on the monarchy not only raises a question about the future of the political system but also invites reflection on how the past continues to influence the present. In this sense, Podemos seems to be calling for a deeper dialogue about the identity and democratic values that Spaniards wish to adopt for the future. The response from the PSOE and other parties to this challenge could define not only the political direction of the country but also its capacity to confront the historical wounds that still persist in the collective memory.