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Spain has commemorated the half-century mark of dictator Franco's demise with an no formal commemorations but with a call from the prime minister to understand the warnings of the dictatorship and defend democratic freedom that was stolen for decades.

Background History

Franco, whose military coup against the elected republican government in 1936 triggered a civil war and ushered in generations of dictatorship, died in Madrid on November 20, 1975.

Although the socialist government has arranged an extended calendar of events to mark the post-Franco transformation, it declined government events on the exact day of the leader's passing to avoid accusations that it was trying to honor his death.

Contemporary Concerns

The anniversary comes amid increasing concerns about the lack of knowledge about the dictatorship, notably within younger generations.

Research findings has revealed that a significant portion of those surveyed felt the Franco era was positive or excellent, while another study found almost a quarter of Spaniards aged 18 to 28 felt that an authoritarian regime could occasionally be better to a democratic system.

Government Perspective

All democratic systems have flaws, the leader stated. Significant progress is needed to build the desired nation and that we can be: a nation with greater possibilities; expanded liberties and diminished inequity.

The premier, who consciously omitted naming Franco by name, also commented that democracy didn't fall from the sky, emphasizing that today's freedoms had been secured by the determination and resilience of the Spanish people.

Commemoration Initiatives

The government has used historical memory legislation enacted recently to try to help Spain reconcile with history.

• Renaming the historical site – once named the Valley of the Fallen
• Compiling an inventory of assets taken by the government
• Working to strip Spain the remaining emblems of the era

Organization Shutdown Attempts

The government is also in the concluding steps of its efforts to close the Francisco Franco National Foundation, which exists to preserve and advance the leader's memory.

The culture minister declared that his department was seeking to make sure that the dictator's documents – presently held by the organization – was handed over to the state so it could be available to citizens.

Political Resistance

The right-wing political group is rejecting the administration's program to mark five decades of freedom, as is the right-wing political organization, which rejected the initiative an absurd necrophilia that splits the population.

Historical Legacy

More than 500,000 people lost their lives in the fighting, while hundreds of thousands more were forced into exile.

Reprisals continued long after the conflict ended in 1939, and the remains of numerous victims killed during the war and in its consequences are thought to remain in anonymous burial sites.

Government Transformation

Following the leader's demise, Spain started the journey back to democracy, holding free elections in 1977 and approving a new constitution in a referendum the following year.