A major scandal has erupted in the small Andalusian town of Puente de Génave, home to just over two thousand residents. The head of the municipality, Francisco García Avilés from the Vox party, has come under fire after distributing calendars featuring images of Francisco Franco and symbols associated with the dictatorship. These calendars were handed out to clients of his own company.
The Association for the Recovery of Historical Memory of the province of Jaén has filed an official complaint against the mayor, accusing him of violating the Memory Law and reviving symbols linked to repression and violence from the past. Authorities have already launched an investigation, and the case materials have been forwarded to the relevant government bodies responsible for enforcing memory legislation.
The reaction from local residents and political opponents was swift. Members of the Socialist Party strongly condemned the mayor’s actions, stressing that such behavior insults the memory of the regime’s victims and their families. In response to the criticism, the head of the municipality stated that he has the support of the majority of residents and reminded critics of his landslide election victory.
History repeats itself: this isn’t the first calendar controversy
This is not the first time Francisco García Avilés’s name has been linked to such incidents. Last year, he distributed calendars featuring images of Franco and José Antonio Primo de Rivera, accompanied by slogans that many found provocative. Around eight hundred copies were handed out in the city, sparking a wave of outrage among political and civic groups.
Local activists believe that such actions damage the city’s reputation and undermine efforts to preserve historical memory. They are calling on the authorities to take decisive action and remind people that thousands in the province of Jaén fell victim to repression during the years of dictatorship.
Political context and public reaction
In recent years, the Vox party has significantly strengthened its position in the region. At the latest municipal elections in the province of Jaén, far-right representatives increased their number of councillors from five to twenty-eight. In Puente de Génave itself, Vox emerged as the leading force both in local and national elections, a development that surprised many observers.
Nevertheless, the mayor’s actions drew sharp criticism not only from political opponents but also from the wider public. Many residents believe that displays of nostalgia for the dictatorship are unacceptable in modern Spain, where a law exists to preserve memory and protect the victims of the regime.
The scandal over calendars featuring Francoist symbols has once again raised questions about the limits of what is acceptable in public policy and the importance of respecting the nation’s historical wounds. A decision from state authorities on the matter is expected soon, while local activists continue to demand accountability from officials for such actions.
