"We can criticize the monarchy and the Francoist legacy in 50 years of Franco."

In the context of the start of the commemorative events for the 50th anniversary of Francisco Franco's death, the Podemos party has taken a critical and combative stance regarding the relationship between the current Spanish political structure and the dictator's legacy. During a press conference, Podemos' Secretary of Organization, Pablo Fernández, and national co-spokesperson Isa Serra, addressed the relevance of the scheduled events and used this platform to question the legitimacy of the monarchy and various state institutions, which they consider to be imbued with "Francoist DNA." Fernández did not hesitate to state that the figure of King Felipe VI should be viewed through the lens of Franco's past, arguing that his legitimacy as a monarch comes directly from a regime imposed by the dictator. In his words, "the existence of a monarchy in Spain is a legacy of Franco, a right that was stolen from the Spanish people to choose their form of state." This statement highlights a position that seeks to delegitimize the monarchical institution by linking it to the authoritarianism of the dictatorship. Podemos' insistence on the need for a referendum on the form of government in Spain is presented as an echo of the demand for greater citizen participation in politics. Fernández urged the PSOE to facilitate such a consultation, even if it is non-binding, so that the people can decide between maintaining a head of state inherited from Francoism or opting for a democratic republic. This proposal resonates in a country where the debate about the monarchy has gained strength in recent years, especially in a context of growing disaffection towards institutions. Podemos' discourse was not limited to the monarchy; it also included criticism of the State Security Forces and Justice, which Fernández described as having been "not democratized." This observation points to a broader view that the structures of the Spanish state still reflect the dynamics and principles of an authoritarian regime, thereby questioning the official narrative presented about the transition to democracy. Furthermore, the purple party highlighted the existence of "Francoist vestiges" in the country's economic fabric, noting that many companies that thrived under the dictatorial regime continue to operate today. This critique of structural corruption and the impunity of economic elites suggests a need to deeply review the ties between the past and the present in contemporary Spain. Podemos has called on the government to take concrete measures to address and eliminate these vestiges, as well as to increase aid for victims of Francoism. This demand includes the recovery of the bodies of the disappeared, an issue that has gained relevance in the country’s historical memory. Regarding the controversy over the invitation to King Juan Carlos I to the commemorative events, Podemos did not hold back on criticism, considering it an "insult to the Spanish people." Fernández categorized any homage to the former king as an "unparalleled shame" and a display of hypocrisy from a government that claims to be progressive while considering paying tribute to a figure linked to corruption. On the other hand, the absence of the Popular Party at these events was seen by Podemos as recognition of its Francoist roots and its alliance with Vox, a party that has been criticized for its retrograde positions and its relationship with Spain's recent history. The political dynamic becomes complicated in this context, where issues of national identity, historical memory, and contemporary politics intertwine. Finally, Podemos' push in this commemoration is a clear manifestation of its attempt to reconfigure collective memory and open a debate about the democratic foundations of the country. By questioning the traditional narrative of the Transition, the party seeks to reclaim the struggle of those who resisted Francoism, reminding that democracy was not a gift, but the result of the struggle and sacrifice of many Spaniards. At a time when the past continues to influence the present, the echo of Podemos' words could resonate in the search for a more inclusive and reflective national identity.