The Spanish government is launching a range of initiatives, including mobile applications, interactive games, and promotional T-shirts, aimed at promoting democratic values among younger generations. These efforts come as a significant number of young Spaniards express a renewed interest in Francisco Franco, a former dictator whose legacy remains a contentious issue in the country’s history.
Despite the government’s efforts to promote democracy, Franco’s grave located outside Madrid continues to draw mourners and visitors, highlighting the persistent divisions within Spanish society over his historical impact. José Luis Ortiz, a dedicated Franco supporter, regularly tends to the dictator’s tomb, emphasizing the deep-rooted ideological differences that continue to shape public discourse.
The situation reflects a broader trend of historical memory and political ideology, where the legacy of Franco, who ruled Spain for over three decades, remains a subject of debate. The government’s strategy to counter the growing interest among young people in Franco’s ideology underscores the complex relationship between historical memory, national identity, and democratic values in contemporary Spain.