A decisive step in the fight for historical memory
The city of Tortosa, in Tarragona, has taken a new turn in its prolonged battle for the dismantling of the controversial Francoist monument that has been at the centre of intense social and political debate. The recent ruling from the Administrative Court number 2 of Tarragona has lifted the suspension on the procedure related to the legality of the municipal building permit, opening the door to resume work to remove the monolith.
However, the precautionary measures that had halted the removal since July 2021 remain in place, meaning there is still a long way to go before the definitive dismantling can take place. This situation has been subject to interpretation by both the City Council and the High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC), who have clarified the terms of the ruling.
The appeal filed by Corembe, a group that advocates for the permanence and reinterpretation of the monument, had led to a suspension in December 2021 while other appeals related to its declassification were resolved. Despite these appeals being dismissed, both the Generalitat and the council requested the court to resume the case, which has been partially achieved with this new ruling.
Despite the judicial progress, far-right entities remain active. The TSJC had already dismissed their appeals against the urban modification necessary to proceed with the removal. However, these organizations continue to seek legal ways to halt the process.
The mayor of Tortosa, Mar Lleixà, expressed her satisfaction with this development and reiterated her commitment to the Commission for the Removal of Francoist Symbols. “We are hopeful that a ruling will be issued soon and that we can finally move towards a fairer Tortosa,” Lleixà stated. This commitment was reaffirmed during her investiture and is seen as a reflection of the citizens' desire to heal historical wounds.
The Department of Justice and Democratic Quality has also expressed optimism, considering this lifting as a crucial step to address the core of the issue. A new law on democratic memory is expected to be approved soon, which will facilitate the management of not only this monument but also other symbols related to Francoism in Catalonia.
As this judicial process advances, citizens are closely watching how events unfold. The fight to eradicate remnants of the Francoist past is an integral part not only of the urban landscape but also of the current social fabric. With each judicial decision made, Tortosa takes steps forward in its quest to reconcile with its history and build a more inclusive future.
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