"Podemos reignites the debate about Francoist legacy and the monarchy in Spain."

The recent statement from Podemos has reignited the debate about the legacy of Francoism in contemporary Spain, asserting that this regime is still alive in various state structures, particularly in the monarchy. In a press conference, the spokesperson for the purple party, Pablo Fernández, argued that Franco's death in 1975 did not mean the extinction of Francoism, emphasizing that the political system established afterwards is imbued with what he calls "Francoist DNA." Fernández harshly criticized the monarchy, labeling it as a "relic of the dictatorship" and an obstacle to the development of full democracy in the country. He stated that institutions such as the judiciary and the State Security Forces have not been adequately purged, which perpetuates structures that, according to him, favor the legacy of Franco's regime. Podemos's statement comes at a time when the central government is organizing a hundred events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the dictator's death. In this same vein, Podemos has urged the PSOE, its partner in the coalition government, to call for a referendum on the continuity of the monarchy. Fernández emphasized that, although the referendum would not be binding, it is essential for citizens to have the opportunity to decide between a monarchical Head of State or a Republic. This proposal is part of a broader attempt by the purple party to question the legitimacy of the monarchy in the current context. Tensions between Podemos and the PSOE were further manifested when they criticized the government for not inviting the purple party to the inauguration of the commemorative events. According to Fernández, this exclusion is inexplicable, particularly given that Podemos has been one of the most critical voices regarding Franco's figure and the democratic transition. The absence of Podemos is compounded by that of other parties such as the Popular Party and Vox, highlighting widespread discontent with how these events are being managed. Fernández also commented on the possibility of the emeritus king Juan Carlos I attending the commemorative events, expressing his disapproval towards what he considers a tribute to a "corrupt person." The idea of honoring Juan Carlos I has been labeled as an "insult" and "despicable" by Podemos leaders, who demand a critical review of the country's recent history. Despite the differences, Fernández reiterated that Podemos supports the commemoration of Franco's death but stressed that the events must be accompanied by "concrete actions" that reflect historical truth. The stance of the purple party highlights the need to recognize and confront the shadows of the past, rather than commemorate without questioning the legacy of Francoism, which they argue persists today. The controversy also underscores the political division in Spain regarding how historical memory and the democratic transition should be addressed. While some parties, like the PSOE, seem to favor a celebratory approach, Podemos calls for a more critical and reflective stance that acknowledges the pain and injustice of the past. The event 'Spain in Freedom,' which King Felipe VI will not attend, has become a symbol of this tension, with Podemos comparing the monarchy's presence in Spanish democracy to that of Netanyahu in the context of pacifism. This comparison not only highlights Podemos's critical stance but also illustrates the polarization surrounding the monarchical issue and its role in Spanish society. Ultimately, Podemos's statement and the controversy surrounding it reflect a constant tension in Spanish politics regarding historical memory, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future of the country's political system. As the half-century mark of Franco's death approaches, the debate over his legacy and how it is commemorated remains a hot topic that divides Spanish society.