"We can denounce the persistence of Francoism in current Spanish institutions."

In a tense context marked by historical memory, Podemos has issued a strong statement that brings the survival of Francoist structures in contemporary Spanish society into the spotlight. During a press conference, the party spokesperson, Pablo Fernández, asserted that Francoism is still alive, particularly within institutions such as the monarchy, the judiciary, and the State Security Forces. According to him, the regime established by the 1978 Constitution has failed to shed the "Francoist DNA" that, in his analysis, still permeates Spanish politics. Criticism of the monarchy has taken center stage in Podemos' discourse, which labels it as a "legacy of Francoism." This stance highlights their disenchantment regarding the democratic transition, which they believe has not been completed. Fernández emphasized that, although Franco died in his bed, this did not mark the end of Francoism, suggesting that many of the structures created during his regime continue to exert influence today. This perspective poses a significant challenge to the official narrative surrounding Spain's recent history. In addition to questioning the legitimacy of the monarchy, the party led by Ione Belarra has called for a referendum that would allow citizens to decide between maintaining the current Head of State or opting for a Republic. Although this referendum would not be binding, the Podemos members believe it is essential to open the debate on the form of government in a country that, according to them, still bears the weight of its authoritarian history. Fernández also criticized the government's decision not to invite Podemos to the commemorative events organized by the Central Government to mark the 50th anniversary of Franco's death. This exclusion, which also affected other parties like the Popular Party and Vox, has raised questions about inclusion and plurality in an event that many believe should be an opportunity for reflection and dialogue about the recent past. During his speech, the Podemos spokesperson did not shy away from powerful comparisons, stating that King Felipe VI and the Bourbon dynasty represent for democracy what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu represents for pacifism. With this statement, Fernández seeks to illustrate what he considers a fundamental contradiction between the monarchy and the democratic values intended to be celebrated at the commemorative events. It is worth noting that the controversy is not limited to the role of the monarchy but extends to the figure of the former king, Juan Carlos I. With the possibility of his attendance at the events, Fernández expressed his outrage at the idea of honoring someone he describes as "corrupt" and "a thief." This comment has generated strong backlash from some sectors, who view these statements as an attack on national reconciliation and political stability. The situation becomes even more complicated when considering that the PSOE, as a supporter of the monarchy, has faced criticism from Podemos. Thus, the governing coalition is grappling with internal tensions that could affect the cohesion of the Executive and the public perception of its management. The differing approaches to historical memory and the monarchy reflect a broader division within the Spanish political spectrum. As the commemorative events draw near, the lack of dialogue among the various political forces could result in an event that is not representative of the diversity of opinions regarding the country's recent history. The exclusion of Podemos from the list of attendees raises questions about the government's commitment to an inclusive approach in addressing such sensitive issues. In this context, Podemos' stance emerges as a discordant voice in a political symphony that seems to ignore the need for a critical and profound review of Francoist history. The insistence that Francoism is still alive could be seen as a call to action, an invitation not to forget the mistakes of the past and to build a fairer and more democratic future. With the country divided and the debate over the form of government on the agenda, Podemos' words resonate as an echo of an unresolved history, a reminder that the path to true democracy still presents significant challenges.