The planned far-right march in central Madrid, announced for this Sunday to mark the 50th anniversary of Francisco Franco’s death, will not take place. The regional government delegation has decided not to authorize the event, citing national police reports of a high risk of mass disturbances and threats to the safety of residents and property.
Organizers had intended to end the march on Ferraz Street, directly opposite the headquarters of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE). Last year, this location was the scene of intense protests against the amnesty law for participants in the Catalan separatist movement. Those demonstrations led to clashes with police, arrests, and burning rubbish bins. Authorities note that such events have repeatedly resulted in serious public order violations, and a new march could spark a repeat of that scenario.
This time, the march was meant to cap a full day of meetings and gatherings of far-right groups from across Europe. A conference in the capital was scheduled for the morning under the slogan ‘Europe — united, great and free,’ with activists expected from Italy, France, the UK, and even Russia. Among the invited were prominent leaders of nationalist and identitarian parties, as well as controversial figures known for their radical views.
Risks and motives behind the ban
Officials emphasize that the threat of unrest is not exaggerated, but confirmed by recent events. Last November, a similar rally ended in mass arrests and the use of force by the police. This time, according to authorities, there are no softer measures that could guarantee the safety of residents and visitors in the city.
There is particular concern about the possible appearance of slogans at the rally justifying dictatorship, as well as public insults directed at the victims of Francoism. Authorities fear that the event could become a platform for inciting hatred, calls for violence, and glorification of the country’s totalitarian past.
International context and public reaction
The ban coincided with the week in Spain marking the fiftieth anniversary of Franco’s death. This date traditionally sparks heated debate and protest sentiment, particularly between supporters and opponents of the authoritarian legacy. This year, the controversy gained an international dimension: representatives of far-right movements from various countries gathered in Madrid to discuss shared strategies and voice opposition to EU policy and migration.
Authorities stress that they do not intend to allow events on the capital’s streets that could lead to escalating violence and disturb public order. In their view, such rallies not only pose a safety risk but also undermine the foundations of a democratic society.
