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Spain has observed the five-decade milestone of Franco's passing with an lack of state ceremonies but with a message from the government leader to understand the warnings of the authoritarian regime and defend democratic freedom that was wrenched from us for decades.

Past Events

Franco, whose rebellion against the legitimate government in 1936 triggered a civil war and brought about four decades of dictatorship, passed away in Madrid on November 20, 1975.

Although the socialist government has arranged an extended calendar of events to mark the democratic transition, it declined government events on the exact day of the ruler's demise to prevent claims that it was seeking to celebrate his death.

Present-Day Worries

The commemoration occurs during growing worries about the insufficient awareness about the authoritarian period, particularly among the youth.

Survey data has revealed that over one-fifth of respondents felt the dictatorship period was good or very good, while another study found almost a quarter of youth population felt that an non-democratic system could occasionally be better to a democratic government.

Administration View

All democratic systems have flaws, the official noted. Much remains to be done to build the desired nation and that we can be: a country with enhanced prospects; expanded liberties and diminished inequity.

The government official, who pointedly did not refer Franco by name, also commented that freedom wasn't freely given, adding that today's freedoms had been secured by the determination and persistence of the population.

Historical Memory Efforts

The administration has employed historical memory legislation passed in recent years to try to help Spain reconcile with history.

• Changing the location's designation – previously known as the Valley of the Deceased
• Creating a catalog of assets taken by the government
• Seeking to eliminate the last vestiges of Francoist symbols

Institution Dissolution Process

The government is also in the final stages of its initiatives to dissolve the dictatorship foundation, which functions to uphold and promote the dictator's legacy.

The cultural affairs official stated that his ministry was attempting to make sure that the dictator's documents – presently held by the foundation – was transferred to government control so it could be open to the public.

Partisan Objections

The main conservative opposition is boycotting the government's initiative to observe half-century of liberties, as is the conservative faction, which dismissed the programme an morbid fascination that splits the population.

Past Consequences

Over half a million individuals lost their lives in the fighting, while numerous others were forced into exile.

Reprisals continued long after the conflict ended in 1939, and the corpses of countless individuals who died in the conflict and in its consequences are estimated to lie in unmarked mass graves.

Government Transformation

Following the leader's demise, Spain started the journey to representative government, organizing open polls in 1977 and approving a new constitution in a public ballot afterward.