In central Madrid, on the iconic Puerta del Sol square, the Real Casa de Correos building has now been officially designated as a site of remembrance for the tragic events of the Franco era. The corresponding decision was published in the official state bulletin, immediately sparking debate and controversy between the national government and the regional authorities.
In the past, these walls housed the notorious Directorate of Security, where during the dictatorship arrests, interrogations, and torture of political opponents took place. From 1939 to 1979, thousands passed through the cells of this building, many of whom never returned home. Today, administrative offices are located here, but the memory of those dark chapters of history continues to trouble both politicians and society.
The official recognition of the building as a site of remembrance entails the installation of a commemorative plaque and the organization of educational events. However, Madrid’s regional authorities, led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, strongly oppose this move. They argue that this period represents only a small part of the building’s history, and that setting up a memorial could disrupt administrative functions and infringe upon regional autonomy.
The conflict between the two levels of government intensified last summer, when the Constitutional Court lifted restrictions on a law allowing the regional government to block the appearance of new commemorative plaques on building facades. At the time, the court noted that potential consequences were still hypothetical, but now the situation has become a reality. Madrid authorities have repeatedly emphasized that the building already has enough memorial plaques dedicated to events that unite, rather than divide, the city’s residents.
Meanwhile, the central government insists that it is important not to forget the victims of repression and to prevent similar tragedies from happening again. The question of whether a new plaque will appear on the facade remains unresolved. The confrontation between Madrid and Moncloa (Moncloa) could escalate into a new round of political conflict, and the fate of the commemorative sign may become a symbol of the struggle for historical memory in modern Spain.
