The Restless Anniversary: Reflecting on Dictatorship, Transition, and Democracy without Heroics

Kostis Kornetis, Universidad AutĂłnoma de Madrid. Academic Advisor of the Commissioner for the Commemoration of “Spain in Freedom: 50 years” Cover image: Screenshots from the video of the campaign Democracy Is Your Power, presented as the closing highlight of the Spain in Freedom commemoration. The word ‘restless’ in this article’s title echoes Inquietud. Libertad y …

1975-2025, Fifty Years On: Celebrating by thinking and thinking by celebrating

By Carmina Gustrán Loscos, Commissioner for the Commemoration of “Spain in Freedom: 50 years”. 20 November 2025 marks the fiftieth anniversary of Francisco Franco’s death. At the Commission of “Spain in Freedom: 50 years”, we focus on the possibilities that his passing created, on the long and difficult journey towards regaining freedom and democracy. In 2025, we remember the beginning of that collective achievement; we celebrate the prosperous, diverse and democratic nation that we have become. Also, we would like to invite all citizens to join us in reflecting on the future, on what kind of country and what kind of democracy we aspire to build together.