The snap election called by Pedro Sánchez for the 29 November 2026 has put the transformation of Valle de Cuelgamuros on hold for the time being, with its future uncertain. According to government sources, ministries and subordinate agencies are assessing which steps can continue without political backing and which must wait until a new cabinet is formed.
At the heart of the project is the reinterpretation of the former Valle de los Caídos as a place of democratic remembrance, enshrined in the Ley 20/2022, the Ley de Memoria Democrática. The law mandates its official renaming as Valle de Cuelgamuros and a comprehensive historical account, from its construction using forced labour to the circumstances of the more than 33,000 dead buried in its crypts. Since the Exhumation of Francisco Franco in 2019 work has included setting up interministerial coordination and preparing both substantive and structural measures, including guidance and information services and an international ideas competition.
Opponents of memory policy have repeatedly challenged the projects. Representatives of the Partido Popular and Vox have criticised the reinterpretation of the site for years and have announced that, if they enter government, they will reverse key elements of Ley 20/2022. A change of government could therefore affect the future direction, timetable and funding of the work.
Meanwhile, proceedings initiated by the authorities are under way against the Fundación Nacional Francisco Franco. The Ministerio de Cultura applied in April 2026 for the court to dissolve the foundation, citing its glorification of Francoism and denigration of victims. The case is before the courts, but a new government could change the political support for it or amend the applications.
Preparatory work was carried out at the site in 2026, including surveys to establish its condition. Some measures prompted protests and were accompanied by vandalism, reflecting the social polarisation around the issue. Most recently, according to the finance department, the government allocated funds from the Fondo de Contingencia to projects related to the recognition and support of victims of Francoism.
In practice, the programme’s continuation depends on the formation of a future parliamentary majority. Irreversible decisions are likely to be avoided until a new government is sworn in. Whether, and to what extent, steps, tenders or exhibitions already planned will go ahead, be modified or be halted will be decided after 29 November 2026.
Editor: Phillipe Schmidt-Araguin (Article created with AI assistance).