The Resurgence of Spanish fascism: Examining the November 2023 Madrid Marches
The echoes of Francisco Franco‘s dictatorship continue to reverberate through Spain,moast recently manifested in a significant display of far-right sentiment in Madrid on November 22,2023. Hundreds of individuals, identifying with the Falange – a group claiming lineage to the fascist movements that propelled Franco to power – marched through the city, marking the anniversaries of both Franco’s death and the founder of the Falange, José Antonio Primo de Rivera. This event, occurring just days after the 50th anniversary of Franco’s passing, raises critical questions about the state of fascism in modern Spain and its potential impact on the nation’s political landscape.
But what does this resurgence signify? And how is Spain confronting its complex historical legacy?
A Divided Nation: Contextualizing the Protests
The march wasn’t simply a historical commemoration. Participants openly protested against Spain’s 1978 constitution, labeling it a “regime” and displaying Franco-era flags. The demonstration, moving from the conservative Popular Party headquarters to the ruling Socialists, was accompanied by chants like “National unity” and “PSOE, PP, it’s the same war!” - highlighting a deep-seated distrust of mainstream political parties.
the presence of Orsola Mussolini, great-granddaughter of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, further underscored the international connections within far-right movements. Mussolini’s attendance serves as a stark reminder of the historical alliances that supported Franco during the Spanish Civil War, with both Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy providing crucial military aid.
Understanding the Falange and its ideology
The Falange Española y de las JONS,frequently enough simply referred to as the Falange,is a Spanish fascist movement founded in 1933. It played a pivotal role in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), ultimately aiding Franco’s victory. While officially dissolved after franco’s death, successor groups have continued to operate, advocating for a return to nationalist principles and a rejection of liberal democracy.
These groups often romanticize the Franco era, downplaying its repressive aspects and focusing on perceived economic stability and national unity. This selective historical narrative is a key component of their appeal. The Madrid march, estimated to have involved around 700 participants according to government sources, represents a visible manifestation of this enduring ideology.
Spain’s Ongoing Struggle with its Past
Spain’s journey to reconcile with its Francoist past has been fraught with challenges. The 1978 constitution, designed to facilitate a transition to democracy, included an amnesty clause that shielded perpetrators of human rights abuses during the dictatorship. This has long been a source of contention, preventing full accountability and hindering the healing process.
Recent years have seen renewed efforts to address this legacy. The 2007 Historical Memory Law aimed to acknowledge the suffering of victims of the Franco regime, but its implementation has been uneven. Furthermore, the exhumation of Franco’s remains from the Valley of the Fallen in 2019 – a controversial monument built by the dictatorship – sparked intense debate. The current government is pushing for further reforms to strengthen historical memory initiatives and promote justice for victims.
Beyond the March: Related Concerns & Subtopics
The Madrid march isn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a broader trend of rising far-right activity across Europe,fueled by factors such as economic insecurity,immigration concerns,and a backlash against globalization.
* Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: The presence of an anti-migrant banner during the march highlights
