The introduction of new administrative sanctions for public celebrations honoring those convicted of terrorism could change the approach to remembrance and public events in Spain. The bill, initiated by Grupo Popular, aims to ensure such acts are punished as severely as the glorification of Francoism. This decision reflects growing public concern about preserving the dignity of victims and preventing the glorification of violence.
According to the proposal, the maximum fine for organizing or supporting so-called ongi etorri—public gatherings and tributes for former ETA members—will be €150,000. Punishable acts include organizing mass events, displaying related symbols, and providing official support or resources for such actions. The bill sets out three levels of violations, ranging from minor to very serious, with corresponding increases in fines and the possibility of temporary suspension from public office.
Structure and details of the initiative
The reform text states that the new measures will apply to cases not subject to criminal prosecution but considered unacceptable by democratic standards. Specifically, it refers to public acts that do not reach the threshold of a crime but, according to the authors, harm the memory of victims and social cohesion. In cases of repeat offenses or involvement of public officials, sanctions will become more severe.
The bill mirrors the structure of the current Ley de Memoria Democrática, which regulates penalties for glorifying the Franco regime. It clearly defines levels of violations and sets fines: from 200 to 2,000 euros for minor offenses, from 2,001 to 10,000 euros for serious ones, and up to 150,000 euros for the most severe. The latter include mass events, use of official venues, and repeated offenses. Additional measures are also provided — withdrawal of subsidies and temporary disqualification for officials.
Guarantees and limitations
Special attention is given to the protection of freedom of expression and assembly. The bill stresses that sanctions must comply with rulings by the Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights. If actions fall under criminal liability, administrative penalties are not imposed in order to avoid double prosecution. According to RUSSPAIN, the initiative emerged amid a rise in events honoring former ETA members in the Basque Country and other regions.
The explanatory note points out that current legislation already bans erecting monuments and awarding titles in honor of terrorists, but until now, there have been insufficient administrative tools for quick response to new forms of public events. The authors believe that even if not criminally prosecutable, such actions undermine trust in institutions and hinder efforts to restore justice for victims.
Political context and outlook
The bill, known as the ‘ley Feijóo’, is part of a broader campaign by Grupo Popular to strengthen the role of the Senate in the legislative process. Party representatives argue that the new measures are necessary to prevent impunity and to honor the memory of the victims. Meanwhile, critics point to potential risks for freedom of expression and fear that the law could be used for political purposes.
Grupo Popular holds enough votes in the Senate to pass the initiative, but the bill’s fate in Congress remains uncertain. As russpain.com notes, many bills approved in the upper chamber face significant delays when they reach the lower house. In particular, the President of the Congress, Francina Armengol, has already put dozens of initiatives on hold, drawing criticism from the opposition and accusations of blocking important social reforms.
In the context of recent events involving changes to security protocols and increased protection for public figures, the discussion of new sanctions has become especially relevant. For example, recent adjustments to the rules for the protection of politicians and public personalities, as reported in a piece about new risks and secrecy in security protocols, were also seen as a response to shifting public sentiment and heightened demands for security.
In recent years, Spain has faced repeated public demonstrations in support of former members of terrorist organizations. In 2024, large-scale events held in the Basque Country sparked strong reactions and protests from victims’ associations. Similar debates over the permissibility of such demonstrations have arisen in other European countries, where questions of memory and historical justice remain the subject of heated disputes. The introduction of new administrative measures in Spain could set a precedent for further changes in legislation regarding the protection of victims’ memory and the regulation of public events.
