Podemos demands a referendum on the monarchy amid events honoring Franco in Spain.

In a significant moment for the recent history of Spain, Podemos has decided to take advantage of the commemorative events organized by the government to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of dictator Francisco Franco to launch a strong critique of the current monarchical system. The purple formation has urged President Pedro Sánchez to call a referendum on the monarchy, which they consider an "inheritance of Francoism," emphasizing that its existence is due to the decision of the dictator himself. Podemos spokesperson Pablo Fernández has stated that if the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) truly believes in democracy and freedom, it should promote a popular consultation that allows Spaniards to decide on the continuation of a monarchy that, in his view, lacks democratic legitimacy. "A referendum, even if it were non-binding, would allow us to see if the Spanish people prefer a monarchy that is an heir to Francoism or a republic where the head of state is elected by the citizenry," Fernández stated at a press conference. Fernández also criticized Podemos's lack of invitation to the tributes, although he downplayed the issue, noting that their stance on Francoism and the monarchy is well-known. "Any act that serves to highlight the death of the genocidal dictator is a good initiative," he said, although he emphasized that this is not enough, as it is crucial to address the complete historical truth. In this regard, he recalled that the current emeritus king was appointed directly by Franco. Podemos's critique is not limited to symbols but targets the very structure of the state. Fernández pointed out that the transition to democracy has not been completed and that vestiges of Francoism persist in key institutions such as justice, the monarchy, and security forces. "The failure to purge Francoist elements demonstrates that the regime of 1978 is permeated by Francoism," he argued. The spokesperson also referred to the absence of King Felipe VI at the commemorative events, considering it a "logical" decision, given that it was Franco who chose the Bourbons. In his view, the current monarchy has little to do with democracy and is more a legacy of the country's authoritarian past. Fernández used a strong metaphor to compare the Bourbons to "Netanyahu to pacifism," emphasizing the disconnect between the monarchy and democratic values. Furthermore, Podemos has expressed its concern over the possible attendance of the emeritus king, Juan Carlos I, at the commemorative events. The possibility of honoring the emeritus has caused outrage within the party, and Fernández did not hold back in his derogatory comments towards the PSOE, calling the idea of paying tribute to Juan Carlos I "a disgrace" and "an insult to the Spanish people." Fernández's critique focused on the perception that the PSOE is the main supporter of a "corrupt monarchy." According to him, the socialist party, which presents itself as a defender of the republic, acts hypocritically by continuing to support the monarchy. "The main problem in this country is that the PSOE is the main supporter of a corrupt monarchy," he insisted. In this context, Podemos has reiterated its demand for concrete measures to address historical memory and the recovery of the remains of victims of Francoism. The party has called for the removal of Francoist remnants and has insisted on the need for a referendum that allows citizens to decide on the future of the monarchy in Spain. As the commemoration of Franco's death becomes a point of discussion, Podemos's stance raises questions about the future of the monarchical system in a country still grappling with the scars of its recent history. The government's and the PSOE's response to these demands could mark a new chapter in Spanish politics, especially regarding the relationship between historical memory and current institutions. At a time when political polarization is evident, the debate over the monarchy and the Francoist legacy remains a hot topic that demands critical and reflective attention.