SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 17th May. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, expressed disappointment over the decision of the Government of the Canary Islands to revoke the classification of Francoist remnants in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as this will result in a “delay” in removing these symbols.
“No mayor or public representative should take pride in preserving any remnants of the Franco era,” he shared with journalists before attending an event with former Canarian presidents, during which he expressed confusion as to why the Santa Cruz City Council is protesting about the process starting in the capital of Tenerife.
He mentioned that the legal judgments against the classification “address formal issues that have already been resolved” and there is “no obligation” to repeal it, especially considering that it has been extended to all island capitals, including La Graciosa, since July 2023.
“If the process begins with a municipality, that’s fine. The mayor of that municipality should take the necessary steps to eliminate any traces of the Franco era,” he emphasised.
Referring to the controversial ‘Franco monument’ on the Ramblas of Santa Cruz, the minister highlighted that the creator, Juan de Ábalos, himself “acknowledges that it represents the leader” and signifies “40 years of freedom absence” during the dictatorship.
