As the Spanish Cortes prepares to adopt the Democratic Memory Law, a significant shift in the country's historical landscape is imminent. The law, published in September 2020, aims to honor the victims of the Franco dictatorship and reaffirm the importance of democracy, ensuring reconciliation amongst Spaniards. This monumental step marks a crucial moment in Spain's journey towards healing and moving forward from its tumultuous past.
The law's provisions will have a direct impact on around thirty aristocrats, whose noble titles will be abolished. Specifically, Article 42 of the bill targets titles granted between 1948 and 1978 that symbolize the exaltation of the war and dictatorship. The list of affected titles includes prominent names such as the Duchy of Franco, which was bestowed upon Doña María del Carmen Martínez-Bordiú y Franco, the 2nd Duchess of Franco. This move is a significant step towards acknowledging the dark chapters of Spain's history and the role of the Franco regime in shaping the nation's trajectory[1].
what is the democratic memory law and why is it important
The Democratic Memory Law (Ley de Memoria Democrática) is a significant piece of legislation in Spain that aims to address the dark chapters of the country's history, specifically the Franco dictatorship and its aftermath. The law was published in September 2020 and entered into force on October 21, 2022. It is a crucial step towards acknowledging the past and ensuring that the victims of the Franco regime receive the recognition and reparations they deserve. The law is important for several reasons: Acknowledging the Victims: The law honors the victims of the Franco dictatorship and the Spanish Civil War, providing a formal recognition of their suffering and loss. This acknowledgment is essential for the healing process and for ensuring that the country moves forward with a deeper understanding of its history. Reconciliation and Democracy: The law reaffirms the importance of democracy and ensures reconciliation amongst Spaniards. By addressing the past, the law helps to strengthen democracy and promote a culture of respect for human rights and the rule of law. Granting Spanish Nationality: The law offers a new opportunity for descendants of Spanish citizens and International Brigade Volunteers to acquire Spanish nationality. This provision is significant as it allows those affected by the Franco regime to reclaim their Spanish citizenship and connect with their heritage. Addressing Historical Injustices: The law tackles the historical injustices caused by the Franco regime and its aftermath. It provides a framework for investigating past violations, promoting the search for the disappeared, and ensuring that the state takes responsibility for exhumations and searches. International Standards: The law aligns with international standards on human rights and the obligation to provide full reparation to victims. This alignment is crucial for Spain's commitment to upholding human rights and its role in the global community. In summary, the Democratic Memory Law is a vital step towards acknowledging the past, ensuring reconciliation, and promoting democracy in Spain. Its provisions address historical injustices, provide recognition to victims, and align with international standards, making it an important milestone in Spain's journey towards healing and moving forward.what is the international brigades and how are they related to the democratic memory law
The International Brigades were a group of volunteers from over 50 countries who fought in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) on behalf of the Second Spanish Republic against the Nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco. These volunteers were primarily composed of non-professional soldiers, including workers, students, laborers, and artists, who shared a common goal of defending democracy and fighting against fascism. The International Brigades played a significant role in the war, with estimates suggesting over 35,000 volunteers participated, and around 10,000 of whom lost their lives in Spain. The Democratic Memory Law (Ley de Memoria Democrática) is a significant piece of legislation in Spain that aims to address the dark chapters of the country's history, specifically the Franco dictatorship and its aftermath. The law was published in September 2020 and entered into force on October 21, 2022. Article 33 of the law grants Spanish nationality to volunteer members of the International Brigades, acknowledging exceptional circumstances for their acquisition of Spanish nationality. This provision is significant as it allows these volunteers and their descendants to reclaim their Spanish citizenship without having to renounce their previous nationality. The law's recognition of the International Brigades is a crucial step towards acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions of these international volunteers who fought for democracy in Spain. It also provides a pathway for their descendants to obtain Spanish nationality, ensuring that their legacy and the values they fought for are honored.what is the international brigades and what was their role during the spanish civil war
The International Brigades were groups of foreign volunteers who fought on the Republican side against the Nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). These volunteers came from over 50 countries and were primarily composed of non-professional soldiers, including workers, students, laborers, and artists, who shared a common goal of defending democracy and fighting against fascism. The International Brigades played a significant role in the Spanish Civil War, particularly in the early stages of the conflict. They were formed through the Communist International (also known as the Comintern) in the early months of the war and were initially composed of mostly young recruits who were either Communists before they became involved in the conflict or joined the party during the course of the war. The brigades were organized into battalions by nationality, with the French being the largest single foreign group, followed by Germany, Austria, Poland, Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Canada, Hungary, and Belgium. These groups fought in various battles, including the defense of Madrid in 1936, the battles of Jarama and Guadalajara in 1937, and the battles of Teruel and Ebro in 1938. The International Brigades were disbanded by the Spanish Prime Minister Juan Negrín in October 1938, in an attempt to win international support for the Republican government by removing foreign fighters from the conflict. The brigades were formally withdrawn from Spain late in 1938, and their last battle was the Ebro. The International Brigades were significant not only for their military contributions but also for their symbolic importance as a global response to the rise of fascism and a testament to the power of international solidarity in the face of political oppression. 
Around thirty aristocrats will have their titles abolished by the Spanish Cortes if and when it adopts the Democratic Memory Law (Ley de Memoria Democrática). The text of the law was published in September 2020. At the time, Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo noted that the bill's sixty-six articles would honour the victims of the Franco dictatorship, while reaffirming the importance of democracy and ensuring reconciliation amongst Spaniards.
Here is the full text of the Ley de Memoria Democrática: https://www.mpr.gob.es/servicios/participacion/Documents/APL%20Memoria%20Democrática.pdf
Article 42 of the proposed bill reads:
"Artículo 42. Supresión de títulos nobiliarios.
1. La persona titular del ministerio competente en la gestión de los asuntos relativos a los títulos nobiliarios y grandezas de España elaborará un catálogo de títulos nobiliarios concedidos entre 1948 y 1978, que representen la exaltación de la Guerra y Dictadura, y se procederá a su supresión.
2. Queda suprimida la Orden Imperial del Yugo y las Flechas."
This clearly indicates that the only noble titles which will be affected by this bill are those given to close associates of the Franco dictatorship. As it turns out, there are only thirty-three titles which are actually likely to be abolished. The following list was compiled by El Debate:
1. Duque de Primo de Rivera, con Grandeza de España. 2. Duque de Calvo Sotelo, con Grandeza de España. 3. Duque de Mola, con Grandeza de España. 4. Conde del Alcázar de Toledo, con Grandeza de España. 5. Conde de Labajos. 6. Marqués de Dávila y la Grandeza de España que se le une. 7. Marqués de Saliquet. 8. Marqués de Queipo de Llano. 9. Marqués de Alborán. 10. Conde del Jarama. 11. Marqués de Varela de San Fernando. 12. Conde de Benjumea. 13. Marqués de Somosierra. 14. Grandeza de España otorgada al Conde de Rodezno. 15. Marqués de San Leonardo de Yagüe. 16. Conde de la Cierva.
17. Marqués de Vigón. 18. Conde de Fenosa. 19. Conde del Castillo de la Mota. 20. Marqués de Suanzes. 21. Marqués de Kindelán. 22. Conde de Pallasar. 23. Marqués de Casa Cervera. 24. Conde de Martín Moreno. 25. Marqués de Bilbao Eguía. 26. Grandeza de España a Don Fernando Suárez de Tangil y de Angulo. 27. Conde de Bau. 28. Duque de Carrero Blanco, con Grandeza de España. 29. Señorío de Meirás, con Grandeza España. 30. Duque de Franco, con Grandeza de España. 31. Marqués de Arias Navarro, con Grandeza de España. 32. Conde de Rodríguez de Valcárcel. 33. Conde de lturmendi.The most prominent title which is likely to cease to exist is the Duchy of Franco (with Grandee of Spain), which was granted to Doña María del Carmen Franco y Polo (1926-2017) by then Prince Juan Carlos of Spain on 26 November 1975, six days after the death of Carmen's father General Francisco Franco.
See here for the official bulletin concerning the granting of the Ducado de Franco: https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1975/11/27/pdfs/A24781-24781.pdf
The current holder is Doña María del Carmen Martínez-Bordiú y Franco (b.1951), 2nd Duchess of Franco. Carmen's eldest child and only surviving son is Don Luis Alfonso de Borbón y Martínez-Bordiú (b.1974; a pretender to the French throne; uses the title Duke of Anjou in that vein). If and when the law passes, Carmen, who now lives quietly in Portugal, will cease to be the Duchess of Franco, and the title will cease to exist forever. This will likely be a disappointment for her son Luis Alfonso, who would have been his mother's heir to the duchy.
The only other title linked to the Franco family itself that will be abolished is the Señorío de Meirás. This title is currently held by Carmen's brother Don Francisco "Francis" Franco y Martínez-Bordíu (b.1954). However, even if Francis is deprived of the lordship of Meirás, he will still retain the title of Marqués de Villaverde, which he inherited from his father, Don Cristóbal Martínez-Bordiú y Ortega.
For more on the Franco family's situation, there is this article: El ducado de Franco en entredicho: por qué Carmen Martínez-Bordiú no podrá hacer duquesa a su nieta, Eugenia de Borbón
When and if the above thirty-three noble titles are abolished, their former holders will only have recourse by going before the Tribunal Constitucional. This would be a rather difficult course of actions, as the former holders of the abolished titles will have to make the case as to why the original grantee was not associated with the Francoist regime.
As we conclude our exploration of the noble titles linked to the Franco regime, we are reminded of the significance of acknowledging and addressing the dark chapters of our collective past. The proposed law to abolish these titles is a crucial step towards reconciliation and a testament to the power of democratic memory in shaping our understanding of history. By recognizing the victims of the Franco dictatorship and reaffirming the importance of democracy, we are not only honoring the past but also ensuring that we move forward with a deeper appreciation for the values that underpin our democratic systems.
As we reflect on the impact of this law, we are reminded that the struggle for democracy and human rights is ongoing. The abolition of these titles is a symbol of our commitment to these principles and a reminder that we must continue to work towards a world where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. By embracing our shared history and the lessons it teaches us, we can build a brighter future where the values of democracy and human rights are upheld and protected. We hope that this article has provided a valuable insight into the complexities of this issue and has inspired you to continue exploring the rich and complex history of Europe.
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