The Fragile Gains of Freedom: Spain’s Democratic Reckoning and the Rising Threat of Historical Amnesia
Fifty years after the death of Francisco Franco, a disquieting truth hangs over Spanish democracy: the hard-won freedoms of the past are surprisingly fragile. A recent discussion hosted by elDiario.es, marking the 50th anniversary of Spain’s transition to freedom, revealed a pervasive concern that societal memory is fading, leaving the nation vulnerable to repeating past mistakes. As Commissioner Carmina Gustrán starkly put it, “You take democracy for granted. It seems to you that the rights you enjoy today are something natural and that is not the case.”
The event, bringing together historians, journalists, and political analysts, underscored the unfinished business of Spain’s democratic project. While significant strides have been made – the dismantling of Francoist foundations is underway, with procedures initiated for those of Primo de Rivera and Queipo de Llano – a sense of urgency permeated the conversation. “There is still a lot to do,” Gustrán acknowledged, emphasizing the power of direct testimony and concrete examples in preserving historical understanding. The sentiment echoed a poignant graffiti message from the Complutense University: “Historical memory is talking to your grandmother.”
The Evolution of Rights and the Unexpected Church Defeats
Looking back, the progress made in rights and freedoms is undeniable. Iñigo Sáenz de Ugarte, political correspondent and deputy director of elDiario.es, highlighted the stark gender imbalance in the first government of Felipe González – a cabinet of 17 men, a reality unthinkable today. But perhaps more surprising is Ugarte’s observation regarding the Catholic Church. Despite its historical influence, the Church has consistently lost political battles on key social issues since the late 1970s. Divorce, abortion laws, and same-sex marriage – all fiercely opposed by the Church – were ultimately legalized, demonstrating a shift in societal values and a weakening of its political power, though its influence in education remains substantial.
Migration and the Resurgence of Hate Speech
The conversation also turned to the evolving demographics of Spain and the challenges of integration. Gabriela Sánchez, a migration specialist from elDiario.es, noted that Spanish society has become increasingly diverse, absorbing a large influx of foreign populations during the Transition period without significant conflict. However, she warned that this relative harmony is now threatened by the rise of far-right discourse, which actively targets migrant communities. “The one who has set the framework now is the extreme right and that hate speech is beginning to permeate in a certain way,” Sánchez explained, highlighting a worrying trend.
The Enduring Legacy of Corruption
A shadow cast over Spain’s democratic journey is the persistent issue of corruption. Sáenz de Ugarte pointed out that corruption isn’t a post-dictatorship phenomenon; it’s a legacy inherited from the previous regime. He differentiated between “great corruption” – large-scale scandals – and “small corruption” – the ingrained cronyism that remains a feature of Spanish political life. While the concentration of power that fueled corruption during the early Transition years has diminished, Ugarte argued that personal relationships among leaders continue to create opportunities for abuse.
Reaching a Disengaged Youth
Perhaps the most pressing concern raised during the discussion was the need to engage younger generations with Spain’s history. Andrea García, a young journalist with elDiario.es, expressed a sense that Spain is uncomfortable confronting its past. She observed that historical memory education often takes a backseat in schools, leaving students to pursue it independently. Alarmingly, García noted a growing trend among young men – a “nostalgia” for a past they didn’t experience, a past often romanticized and divorced from its brutal realities. “The rebellious thing now is to be a façade,” she lamented.
This disconnect underscores the importance of adapting the language and methods used to communicate historical lessons, particularly on social media. Commissioner Gustrán emphasized the need for “exciting speeches” that look to the future, coupled with public policies that improve people’s lives. But ultimately, preserving the gains of freedom requires a conscious effort to ensure that the sacrifices of the past are not forgotten.
The challenge isn’t simply about remembering the past; it’s about actively safeguarding the values that underpin a democratic society. What steps can Spain – and other nations grappling with similar legacies – take to ensure that historical amnesia doesn’t pave the way for a return to authoritarianism? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
