Francisco Franco Statue in Melilla

Spain

By Contested Histories Initiative

The death of Francisco Franco in 1975 brought to close a painful era in Spanish History. In 2007 Spain enacted the Historical Memory Law, which formally condemns the Franco Regime and mandates the removal of public tributes to Franco. His statue in Melilla was one of the only remaining depictions until its removal in February 2021, following a series of legal challenges and public outcry. This case illustrates how political shifts in governance, coercive historical memory legislation and divided public opinions can impact decision-making.

For the case study click here.