The Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, criticized the regional laws of memory that have been repealed by the PP and Vox bipartite in places such as the Valencian Community, replacing them with laws or plans called “concordance”. He stated that these anti-memory laws are an attack on international law and democracy, and are disrespectful to the victims. The lack of explicit condemnation of the Franco regime in these new laws has raised concerns, with three UN rapporteurs issuing a report stating that these plans violate Spain’s human rights obligations. Sánchez emphasized that defending memory is an obligation derived from international commitments, and that equating victims with executioners goes against concordance. The government is determined to protect democratic memory and the dignity of Franco’s victims through all legal means.
At an event in Alicante honoring the victims of exile, Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, emphasized the importance of upholding Spain’s democratic values and condemned efforts to erase memory under the guise of concordance. The government’s commitment to applying the law throughout the country, despite attempts to suppress memory, was reiterated. The event, attended by around 500 people, included the recognition of 22 descendants of exiles from the Franco era in North Africa. Among them were relatives of those who fled on the Stanbrook, a ship that symbolizes the horrors of the Spanish Civil War and its aftermath. The government recognized the sacrifices of those who sought refuge in Alicante in 1939 as the last piece of the Second Republic.
Some survivors recalled the harrowing events surrounding their escape on the Stanbrook, highlighting the desperation and danger they faced. The decision by the ship’s captain to rescue thousands of people, despite the vessel being vastly overcrowded and intended for a fraction of its passengers, was described as a heroic and humane act. The stories shared by survivors serve as a reminder of the cruelties inflicted on those who opposed Franco’s regime and sought freedom in the face of persecution. The tragic events that unfolded on the dock as families were torn apart, and individuals resorted to desperate measures to avoid capture, are a stark reminder of the brutality of the time.
The legacy of those who sought refuge on the Stanbrook and similar vessels is one of resilience and courage in the face of adversity. Their descendants, including those recognized at the event in Alicante, continue to honor their memory and pay tribute to their sacrifices. Their experiences shed light on the atrocities committed during the Franco era and serve as a reminder that the fight for justice and democracy is ongoing. The event also highlighted the role of countries like Algeria in providing sanctuary to those fleeing persecution, despite facing challenges and mistreatment in their new homes.
The event in Alicante underscored the importance of preserving historical memory and upholding democratic values in the face of attempts to rewrite history and erase the past. By recognizing the descendants of exiles and honoring their stories, the government emphasized the need to confront the legacies of the past and ensure that the victims of Franco’s regime are never forgotten. The commitment to defending democratic memory and the dignity of the victims of Francoism was reiterated as a key priority for the government, and a call to action for all those who value justice and human rights. Through events like these, Spain seeks to reckon with its past and build a future rooted in truth and reconciliation.
