A real storm has erupted in Leon: the local newspaper gave its readers an unexpected ‘gift’ — a 2026 calendar featuring a photograph of Francisco Franco. In the image chosen for June, the dictator is entering the city in an open-top car, dressed in full ceremonial uniform, as an enthusiastic crowd greets him. The choice of this illustration instantly triggered a wave of emotions and heated debates that have shown no sign of dying down for several days.
Many residents of Leon were shocked to see in the calendar the image of a man whose name is associated with a tragic chapter in their history. Those whose families suffered under the regime felt this most acutely. The city still remembers the mass graves and camps that remained after the dictatorship. For them, Franco’s appearance on the pages of a gift calendar is more than just an unfortunate choice — it’s a painful reminder of the past.
Public Reaction
Discussion hasn’t died down either on social media or on the streets of Leon. People are sharing personal stories, recalling relatives who died or went missing during the years of dictatorship. One local resident, unable to hide his outrage, called the publication ‘barbaric’ and emphasized that actions like this are not just mistakes, but an attempt to glorify the figure responsible for thousands of victims.
Politicians have also joined the discussion. The former leader of the Socialists in Castilla y León publicly condemned the editorial’s decision, reminding the public of the newspaper’s ties to regional authorities and controversies over its funding. He stated that such publications are unacceptable in a modern society, where honoring the memory of victims should be a top priority.
Editorial position
The newspaper’s editorial staff chose not to make any official comments, which only fueled public interest. One employee, responding to questions over the phone, tried to justify the decision by saying it was ‘just history’ and that other historical figures appear in the calendar as well. He pointed to a former mayor of the city featured on another page as an example.
However, such explanations failed to convince critics. They insist that Franco is not just a figure from the past but a symbol of a regime that left deep wounds on society. In their view, comparing him to other historical figures is inappropriate and even offensive to the memory of the victims.
Law and remembrance
The issue of whether such publications are permissible goes far beyond a single calendar. The country has a memory law that explicitly prohibits glorifying the dictatorship and its symbols. Civil society organizations have pointed this out in their statements, emphasizing that the editorial decision violates not only ethical standards but also current legislation.
They point out that publishing the photograph without critical context is seen as an attempt to normalize the image of the dictator. In their opinion, this sets a dangerous precedent that could blur the line between remembrance and oblivion. In León, where traces of repression are still visible, such actions are especially painful.
Public outcry
The scandal surrounding the calendar has sparked a wide discussion about how Spain deals with its past. Some believe that history should be shown without embellishment, while others insist on respecting the memory of the victims and not allowing the glorification of dictators. In any case, the situation in León has demonstrated that the topic of the Civil War and dictatorship remains sensitive and continues to divide society.
While the newspaper’s editorial team remains silent, local residents are demanding explanations and apologies. For many, this incident served as a reminder that the past does not let go so easily, and that issues of memory and justice are still relevant. It seems this debate is far from over.
