Spain’s Ministry of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory has formally required Villafranco del Guadiana, a settlement in Badajoz created during the Franco era, to comply with the Democratic Memory Law by changing its name. The ministry’s resolution calls for the change to be made immediately.
The local mayor, Juan Daniel Sánchez, announced the notification on social media and said the settlement disagrees with the government’s decision. He said legal services would examine possible appeals and that the community would oppose the measure through all available legal channels.
Sánchez argued that the name represents the settlement’s history and identity, including the families who first arrived and built it. He also criticized the law and urged residents to unite in defending what he described as their connection to the place.
Badajoz City Council has backed the settlement’s opposition. The city’s PP mayor, Ignacio Gragera, has also criticized the ministry’s decision on social media. Both the local mayor’s office and the council have announced legal action to try to halt the change.
Sources: elDiario.es.