Commemoration of the end of Francoism reveals tensions in present-day Spain.

The recent commemorative event for the 50th anniversary of the end of Franco's dictatorship has highlighted political and cultural tensions that remain present in Spanish society. This event, which aimed to celebrate an important milestone in the country's history, was marked by the notable absence of key figures, such as the king, as well as major political parties, raising questions about the current state of democracy and culture in Spain. The lack of attendance from these political actors not only reflects a disaffection towards the official culture of the State, but also underscores a disconnection with the democratic values that have been attempted to be established since the Transition. The event itself, considered merely cultural, takes place in a context where the commemoration of the end of Francoism is uncomfortable for certain sectors of Spanish politics. The absence of the king is particularly significant, as his presence could have symbolized a reconciliation with the past and an affirmation of the democratic values that, however, seem to be in retreat. The Spanish monarchy, which has survived multiple crises over the centuries, finds itself once again at a crossroads, where its relevance and role in democracy are being questioned. The lack of an explicit break with Francoism in the 1978 Constitution has left a gap in the political and cultural discourse of the country. The absence of reference to the previous regime in the constitutional text has allowed Francoism to remain a shadow in Spanish politics, resulting in a difficulty in addressing its legacy effectively. This context has facilitated a resurgence of political forces seeking to reinterpret history and redefine the official culture, often in opposition to established democratic values. The commemorative event, while presenting an opportunity to reflect on the past and move towards reconciliation, became a symbol of the cultural fragmentation that characterizes contemporary Spain. The absences of the PP (People's Party) and Vox, among others, indicate a clear lack of commitment to a common narrative that addresses the legacy of Francoism in constructive terms. Instead, these parties seem to prefer a culture of confrontation, where the past is used as a tool to polarize society and build exclusionary political identities. The role of the king, who justified his absence due to "schedule issues," adds another layer to this complex dynamic. His decision not to attend an event that was not only symbolic but also institutional suggests a prioritization of the stability of the monarchy over his commitment to democratic principles. By choosing not to visibly position himself against Francoism, the king appears to align himself with a politics that seeks to avoid conflict and preserve the continuity of the institution he represents, at a time when the monarchy faces questions about its relevance and legitimacy. This phenomenon is not limited to the figure of the king but extends to a broader spectrum of Spanish politics. The new culture that is emerging, driven by parties like the PP and Vox, is defined by its rejection of criticism of past figures like Franco, promoting instead a narrative that minimizes or avoids discussion of the dictatorship. This strategy not only seeks to legitimize the present but also attempts to perpetuate a legacy that otherwise should be confronted and questioned in the context of a healthy democracy. In this sense, the commemorative event becomes a microcosm of a larger struggle: the battle for the interpretation of the past and the future of democracy in Spain. The official culture, which once served as a means to unite and cohere society, has been captured by forces that seek to divide and polarize. The absence of a discourse that recognizes the suffering and injustice of the past limits the country's ability to move towards an inclusive and democratic future. The lack of a cohesive response from the government to the absence of these political actors also reveals the fragility of Spanish democracy. The culture of the Transition, which had been erected as a bastion of national unity, now faces challenges that threaten its very existence. The institutions' inability to address the legacy of Francoism directly endangers not only historical memory but also the stability of democracy itself. In conclusion, the commemorative event for the end of Franco has exposed the divisions and tensions that still persist in Spanish society. The absence of key figures, including the king, resonates as an echo of the past that still influences the present. The need for an open and honest discussion about Spain's history is more urgent than ever if the aim is to advance towards a democracy that is not only an ideal but a lived reality for all. The upcoming stages of the commemoration of the end of Francoism will be crucial in determining whether Spain can finally confront its past and find a path towards a more cohesive and democratic future.