Death Becomes Him - Spain 50 years on from the end of Franco

Key Takeaways:

• Elevated protest and disruption risks are expected between (Nov-December 2025).

• Localised unrest (Madrid, Barcelona) is likely to disrupt transport and logistics during large-scale demonstrations and especially if counter-protests are held.

• Regulatory and public-sector dynamics could shift.

• Increased attention to the democratic memory may lead to stricter rules on hate speech in public or corporate spaces.

• Rising youth radicalisation likely to increase socio-political volatility.

• The trend signalling radicalisation will probably manifest in tensions in the workplace and in lack of cohesion in terms of democratic values.

“Spaniards, Franco is dead”. This short message on 20 November 1975 quickly spread across businesses, residences and every kind of institution in existence on Spanish soil.

On 20 November 2025, Spanish Republicans are flooding social media outlets with #ElBorbónEsFranquista focusing on King Felipe VI who inherited the throne from his father, accused of holding the Spanish crown thanks to Francisco Franco. The Republican activism in Spain is nowhere as active or considered as pressing as issues such as corruption or ongoing international conflicts. However, these demonstrations are still reported in Spain and intertwined with current affairs; in June 2025, around 2,000 protesters marched in Madrid to demand a Spanish Republic with a more powerful pro-Palestine stance.

Isolated incidents where crowds have gathered over the disaster of “La Dana” have led to disturbances by confronting and assaulting the monarchs, challenging their actions and their legitimacy.

As of 2025, Spain still has not settled the “Memory Debate” which encompasses open disputes between national identities that remain at the centre of Spanish politics such as the Catalan independence movement. Laws aimed at regulating language or removing Francoist symbols have not been fully erased from Spanish politics and are a breeding source of protests in Barcelona.

The presence of active Francoist organisations remains a source of tensions for some and an expression of the spirit of democracy and liberty of expression for others. Radicalised groups from both sides are a matter of concern in terms of industrial action. In 2025, La Falange Española (self-described as proudly defending the legacy of Franco) stage protests for the sake of protecting the Spanish identity. Detractors argue that protecting bullfighting and Christian heritage stems from Francoist nostalgia and inability to move on. Among these detractors, governmental institutions are found: The Government Delegation in Madrid has banned the demonstration planned to commemorate 20 November 2025 that the Falange intended to hold on 21 November 2025 in central Madrid under the slogan “We won’t stop until we reconquer.” The announced route was to run from Marqués de la Ensenada Street to the junction of Ferraz Street and Quintana Street between 9:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

Police reports have issued warnings regarding these protests. The reason behind the ban stems from preventing hate crime discourses against minority groups and especially victims of the Francoist regimes. To justify this action, the authorities have referred to a past incident dating back to 8 November 2025, where the far-right group Núcleo Nacional clashed with police forces in Madrid. During the demonstration, there were incidents of containers being set on fire, damage to street furniture, and objects being thrown.

Similar protests in the capital city, (and left-wing counter-protests in Vitoria), among other locations organised by La Falange have involved police intervention and violent disturbances. Protesters called for action to ensure the protection of the Spanish nation. On 23 and 24 May 2025, the demonstration garnered the support of around 20,000 protesters whose average age is 18 years old.

45% of young people under 30 years of age consider Franco an ideal leader and preferable than current democratic standards. Another statistic shows that 24% positively value his authoritarian regime. It is projected that these numbers will increase along with the polarisation of ideologies in the country.

This counter-reaction to right-wing demonstrations is likely to be met with animosity. Spontaneous or less publicised protests from 20 November 2025 up until the end of the weekend cannot be ruled out.

On the other hand, Spanish left-leaning groups and the Spanish government are commemorating on 20 November 2025 the birth of democracy. After the death of Franco, conversations on transition started in November 1975 and culminated in December 1978.

The Ministry of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, through the Commissioner for the “Spain in Freedom: 50 Years” commemoration, outlined the hundreds of activities that will take place between November and December, along with the future lines of work that will unfold throughout 2026. These activities will reportedly permeate Spanish streets, posing a potential risk of altercations especially during concerts and exhibitions to engage young people.

Stay Informed & Avoid Protests:

The highly charged political nature of these anniversaries requires a cautious and informed approach for business travellers and locals alike:

• Actively avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful gatherings can escalate and disrupt transport.

• Anticipate road closures, metro station shutdowns (common near squares like Plaza de España in Madrid or Plaça de Catalunya in Barcelona), and significant traffic delays. Plan extra time for all journeys.

• While most protests are peaceful, be prepared for isolated vandalism or clashes.