Spanish fascists march in Madrid after Franco anniversary
Hundreds of far-right sympathisers marched through central Madrid on Friday, one day after Spain marked the 50th anniversary of the death of former dictator Francisco Franco.
The demonstration was organised by the Falange, a group that presents itself as the heir to the fascist movement that supported Franco’s rise during the 1936–1939 Civil War. Participants carried pre-constitutional flags and performed fascist-style salutes as they honoured José Antonio Primo de Rivera, the founder of the movement, whose death anniversary coincides with Franco’s.
The march began near the headquarters of the conservative Popular Party and moved toward the offices of the governing Socialist Party, where a significant police presence monitored the crowds. Videos circulating on social media showed demonstrators chanting slogans such as “National unity” and “PSOE, PP, it’s the same war!”, while some held banners with anti-migrant messages.
Among those attending was Orsola Mussolini, the great-granddaughter of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, whose regime supported Franco during the Civil War.
Officials from the central government’s delegation in Madrid estimated that around 700 people took part in the march.
Spain continues to wrestle with the legacy of Franco’s 1939–1975 dictatorship, an issue that still divides public opinion and fuels political tensions. A counter-demonstration organised by anti-fascist groups is scheduled for Saturday.
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