Political reaction to the King's absence at the commemoration of Franco in Spain.

The recent absence of King Felipe VI at the inauguration of commemorative events for the death of dictator Francisco Franco has sparked intense debate in the Spanish political landscape. From Izquierda Unida (IU), its Secretary of Organization, Eva García Sempere, has described this decision as "coherent," emphasizing that "everyone knows who installed the monarchy," implicitly referring to Franco's role in establishing the current monarchical regime. García Sempere spoke during a telematic press conference, where she defended IU's stance on the matter. According to her, the monarch's decision not to attend this inaugural event only reaffirms his commitment to the historical reality of the country. "We find it consistent with what he has been defending," she insisted, making it clear that historical memory must be treated with rigor and respect. On the other hand, the IU leader announced that the federal coordinator of the party, Antonio Maíllo, will participate in the political events scheduled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Franco's death. Sempere emphasized that these memory exercises should not be seen as an act of nostalgia but rather as an active search for truth, justice, and reparations in a country that still grapples with the repercussions of its dictatorial past. The commemoration of Franco has not only elicited reactions among IU leaders but has also resonated in the statements of Madrid's mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida. From his perspective, Almeida has distanced himself from the approach proposed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, asserting that he does not believe that freedom in Spain arrived with Franco's death, but rather was the result of democracy. This statement adds a layer of complexity to the debate surrounding the Spanish transition and the legacy of the dictatorship. Furthermore, García Sempere's address was not limited to the issue of Franco. She also addressed the case of Juana Rivas, a woman who has been at the center of a media-covered legal process regarding the custody of her children. The IU representative reiterated her party's support for Rivas, arguing that "an abuser can never be a good father." This statement reflects IU's firm stance in defending victims of gender violence and protecting the rights of minors. Additionally, García Sempere highlighted the work of the Ministry of Youth and Childhood, led by Sira Rego, in collaboration with Juana Rivas's family to ensure the protection of the minors involved in this case. This intervention underscores the importance that IU places on childhood and its well-being, in a context where the patriarchal system often jeopardizes the rights of women and children. García Sempere's criticism of the patriarchal system in Spain also resonated in her speech. She pointed out that there remains an environment that "protects aggressors" and "criminalizes protective mothers," calling for reflection and the need for reforms that guarantee true protection for victims of gender violence. This message is set against a backdrop where women continue to face daily challenges in their struggle for rights. The debate over historical memory and the defense of women's rights intertwine in the current context in Spain, highlighting the tensions that persist in society. In this sense, King Felipe VI's absence could be interpreted not only as a political stance but also as a reflection of divisions on how to address historical memory and the legacy of the dictatorship in the country. As the commemorative events approach, attention will focus on the speeches and actions that emerge from these events, as well as the reactions from different sectors of society. The way the past is addressed and the future is built in Spain could be decisive for social cohesion and reconciliation in a country that still lives with the aftermath of a complex and painful history.