Heritage Group, Vox Challenge Podemos Over Protected Franco Monument

The Association for the Research and Protection of Historical Heritage San Miguel Arcángel and the Vox party in Santa Cruz have challenged Podemos Canarias over a complaint the party filed. Podemos accused the Santa Cruz City Council of "misconduct" and "falsifying documents" for not removing a Franco monument on Francisco La Roche avenue.

Luis Sosa, president of the historical association, stated yesterday that Podemos's accusation "isn't sustainable, either legally or historically." He believes the party is simply trying to force administrations to follow its agenda. Sosa pointed out that the monument, created by Juan de Ávalos, has been involved in a legal process since 2021 to be declared an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC). Because of this, a court in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has issued protective measures, meaning the monument must remain untouched until the legal process concludes.

Sosa emphasized that "neither the City Council nor any other administration is allowed to act on the work." He also addressed Podemos's threat to report the Canary Islands Government for not applying the Democratic Memory Law. Sosa explained that the official list of Franco-era symbols, which was created by the previous regional government, has also been cancelled by a court ruling. This means there is currently no valid list in the Canary Islands, making Podemos's demand to apply a non-existent standard unreasonable.

Alejandro Gómez, spokesperson for the Vox party, echoed these sentiments. He confirmed that the process to declare the monument a BIC is ongoing, in line with the Canary Islands Cultural Heritage Law. This law requires the sculptural piece to be protected.

Gómez added that the Cabildo (island council) began the BIC declaration process due to a court order. He called Podemos's complaint to the Public Prosecutor's Office "absurd," especially since they accuse the City Council of crimes like falsifying documents and misconduct. He stressed that Podemos, which has no representation in the regional Parliament, the Cabildo, or the Santa Cruz City Council, resorting to the Public Prosecutor's Office with "unfounded complaints" shows a "disregard for institutions like the Judiciary."

Furthermore, San Miguel Arcángel countered another of Podemos's claims. Podemos alleged that the City Council uses "false reports" as an excuse not to remove the monument. However, the association stated that it has provided studies, legal reports, and expert appraisals that clearly demonstrate the monument's significant artistic value.