Spain and Its Achilles' Heels: The Strong Foundations of a Country’s Weaknesses

Franco was exhumed from the Valley of the Fallen in late 2019 due to public pressure and the desire for democracy and human rights. Catalonia erupted suddenly in October 2017 due to political tensions and a desire for independence. Podemos gathered momentum quickly in 2014-15 due to its anti-austerity message and its appeal to young and left-wing voters. However, half of that support vanished five years later due to internal conflicts and a lack of clear direction. Spain has the most LGBT-friendly society in the world despite being a Catholic-majority country, which is a counterintuitive phenomenon.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2024
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Franco was exhumed from the Valley of the Fallen in late 2019 for several reasons. Firstly, the exhumation was a response to growing demands for justice and accountability regarding the crimes committed by the Franco regime during the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent dictatorship. The regime was responsible for widespread human rights abuses, including torture, executions, and forced disappearances, and many families of the victims had been seeking closure and justice for decades. The exhumation was seen as a step towards achieving this goal.

Secondly, the exhumation was also a political statement. The Franco regime was a symbol of authoritarianism and repression, and its legacy continued to shape Spanish politics and society. By exhuming Franco's remains, the Spanish government was sending a message that the country was moving away from its past and towards a more democratic and inclusive future.

Thirdly, the exhumation was a legal process. Under Spanish law, the remains of individuals who were executed or disappeared during the Franco regime were required to be exhumed and reburied in a dignified manner. The exhumation was carried out by a team of forensic experts and was approved by the Spanish government.

Catalonia erupted suddenly in October 2017 due to a combination of political, economic, and social factors. The region had been seeking independence from Spain for many years, and the exhumation of Franco's remains was seen as a provocation by many Catalans. The Catalan government declared independence on October 27, 2017, but the Spanish government responded with a harsh crackdown, including the use of force and the arrest of Catalan leaders.

The Basque Country has not received as much attention in recent years as it did in the past. This is due to a variety of factors, including the decline of the Basque separatist movement, the economic development of the region, and the political instability of the Basque Country. However, the Basque Country remains a significant political and cultural force in Spain.

Podemos gathered momentum so quickly in 2014-15 due to a combination of factors, including the economic crisis, the rise of populism, and the dissatisfaction with the traditional political parties. The party was able to tap into the growing frustration of many Spaniards with the political establishment and offer a new, more progressive alternative. However, half of that support vanished five years later due to a variety of factors, including internal conflicts, the rise of other political parties, and the economic recovery of Spain.

It is not counterintuitive that a Catholic-majority country also has the most LGBT-friendly society in the world. Spain has a long history of Catholicism, but it has also been a leader in the fight for LGBT rights. The country has legalized same-sex marriage, adopted anti-discrimination laws, and provided support for LGBT individuals. However, there are still challenges to be faced, including discrimination and violence against LGBT individuals.

In conclusion, understanding the most significant events in recent Spanish politics requires spelling out the unspoken but enduring foundations of the countrys deepest fears and weaknesses, its Achilles heels. The exhumation of Franco's remains, the eruption of Catalonia, the decline of the Basque Country, and the rise of Podemos are all examples of these frailties that have shaped Spanish politics and society. While Spain has made significant progress in recent years, there is still work to be done to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

Weight: 345g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538164600