Fifty years ago, Spain bid farewell to the Franco era, but echoes of that time are still visible in the country’s daily life. Although the dictatorship officially ended, many of the systems and habits built over decades did not disappear overnight. They continue to shape society, politics, and the economy, surfacing in unexpected ways.
Immediately after Franco’s death in November 1975, Spain embarked on a difficult path to democracy. Yet, not all elements of the old regime vanished. Traditions and views established by the dictator persisted for a long time, especially within the military and the church. But the legacy of Francoism was particularly striking in the economic and business spheres. Large families and corporations that thrived under the previous regime quickly adapted to the new order, managing to retain their influence even after the political shift.
These elites not only survived but became part of the new Spain, often exerting pressure on government decisions and shaping a conservative agenda. Their ability to evolve and adjust to change allowed them to remain at the top, despite the turn of the times. As a result, many of Spain’s modern political and economic processes still bear the imprint of the past.
Today, half a century later, Spain continues to reflect on its history. Debates about the role of Francoist structures and their impact on the present remain ongoing. There is growing public interest in how the past shapes the present, and why certain issues, seemingly long resolved, are resurfacing. This is not only a matter of memory, but also an attempt to understand how to build the future without repeating the mistakes of the past.
