A political clash has erupted in the Spanish Senate over the historical memory related to Manuel Fraga, a former president of the Galician Xunta and a prominent member of the People's Party (PP). Multiple political parties, including EH Bildu, ERC, Junts, PNV, and others, have formally requested the removal of Fraga's bust located in the Senate building. This initiative is supported by the provisions of the recently enacted Law of Democratic Memory, which aims to acknowledge historical truths and establish a duty of remembrance by public powers regarding Spain's past, particularly concerning the repression experienced during Franco's regime.

The demand stresses the importance of not normalizing symbols that are associated with impunity in a democratic institution. The groups argue that honoring individuals connected to political repression contradicts the values of democracy and accountability. The proposal has been put forward in light of past events, particularly referring to the Vitoria-Gasteiz massacre of March 3, 1976, which highlights the severity of state violence during the transition away from dictatorship toward democracy in Spain.

In contrast, the People's Party has expressed robust opposition to this demand, stating that they are proud of Manuel Fraga's contributions to Spanish politics and governance. This response illustrates a deep ideological divide between leftist parties advocating for historical accountability and the PP, which maintains a more conservative viewpoint regarding Spain's historical figures and events. As the debate unfolds, it brings to the forefront the tensions surrounding Spain's reckoning with its past and the ongoing discussions about how history is represented in public spaces.