David Uclés Calls for Removal of Franco Monument in Tenerife | 2026 Nadal Prize Winner

The call to “Hay que hacer memoria, y con fuerza”—to remember, and with force—echoed across Tenerife this week, as novelist David Uclés, fresh off winning the 2026 Premio Nadal for his novel, publicly demanded the removal of a monument to Francisco Franco. The statue, sculpted by Juan de Ávalos, stands at a prominent intersection in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Uclés’s criticism has ignited a renewed debate about Spain’s ongoing reckoning with its 20th-century history.

A Monument to Contention

Uclés, in a video posted to his Instagram account on Friday, March 13, 2026, described the monument as “totally ridiculous and unjust” and questioned why it continues to stand. “I don’t realize what this statue is still doing here, Tenerife residents, you have to explain something to me,” he stated. “We have to fight to remove this from a public space. We have to remember, and with force.” He further suggested the sculpture should be melted down, calling it an “immunda escultura” – an unclean or filthy sculpture – in a post accompanying the video. El Debate reported on the novelist’s strong stance.

Uclés’s comments came during a visit to the island as part of the Tenerife Noir 2026 festival, participating in a conversation titled “Memory, City and Literature.” He also took part in a literary event, “En la ínsula de las casas vacías,” at the University of La Laguna’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication, which combined literature, memory, and theatrical performance. The juxtaposition of his artistic engagements with his direct criticism of the Franco monument underscores the broader cultural conversation surrounding historical memory in Spain.

The Franco Legacy and Spain’s Memory Laws

The presence of symbols honoring Franco remains a deeply divisive issue in Spain, decades after his death in 1975. Franco’s nearly four-decade rule was marked by authoritarianism, repression of political opposition, and a brutal civil war (1936-1939). While Spain transitioned to democracy after his death, the process of confronting the past has been fraught with difficulty.

Spain passed the Historical Memory Law in 2007, aiming to address the legacy of the Civil War and Franco’s dictatorship. The law condemned the Franco regime, ordered the removal of Francoist symbols from public spaces, and provided some support for victims of the conflict. Though, the law was criticized for not going far enough, and its implementation has been uneven. The Guardian reported extensively on the passage of the law and the controversies surrounding it at the time.

In 2022, Spain’s parliament approved an amended Historical Memory Law, often referred to as the “Democratic Memory Law,” which goes further in condemning the Franco regime and seeks to strengthen protections for victims. The new law declares the Franco regime illegal and illegitimate, and it mandates the removal of symbols and monuments that glorify the dictatorship. However, the implementation of this law has also faced challenges, including legal challenges from conservative groups and debates over what constitutes a Francoist symbol.

The Tenerife Monument: A Local Flashpoint

The monument in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, erected in 1966, has long been a source of contention for local residents and historical memory groups. The sculpture depicts Franco in a commanding pose, and its location in a prominent public space is seen by many as an affront to the victims of the dictatorship. The Asociación de Memoria Histórica (Historical Memory Association) has been actively campaigning for its removal for years. Uclés’s intervention has brought renewed attention to their efforts.

The debate over the monument also reflects broader tensions within Spanish society regarding the interpretation of history. Some argue that removing Francoist symbols is necessary to heal the wounds of the past and build a more inclusive future. Others contend that such actions are an attempt to rewrite history or erase legitimate aspects of Spain’s past. These differing perspectives highlight the complexities of dealing with a difficult and contested legacy.

Beyond Tenerife: A National Conversation

Uclés’s criticism extends beyond the specific case of the Tenerife monument. He lamented the lack of recognition for significant historical sites related to the Spanish Civil War and its aftermath. He specifically cited the route connecting Málaga and Almería, used by refugees fleeing the conflict (“La Desbandá”), and the former location of a bullring in Badajoz, both sites he believes should be formally marked to commemorate the suffering endured during the war. His comments underscore a broader frustration with the perceived unevenness of Spain’s efforts to acknowledge and memorialize its difficult past.

The issue of historical memory is not unique to Spain. Many countries grapple with the legacy of authoritarian regimes, civil conflicts, and colonial pasts. The process of confronting these legacies often involves debates over monuments, memorials, and historical narratives. The case of Spain offers valuable lessons about the challenges and complexities of building a shared understanding of the past.

What’s Confirmed and What Remains Unclear

Confirmed: David Uclés, the 2026 Nadal Prize winner, has publicly called for the removal of the Franco monument in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. He made these statements on March 13, 2026, during a visit to the island for the Tenerife Noir festival. The monument was erected in 1966. Spain’s Democratic Memory Law aims to address the legacy of Francoism, including the removal of symbols glorifying the dictatorship.

Unclear: The immediate response from the Tenerife city council or regional government to Uclés’s demands is not yet fully reported. The timeline for any potential action regarding the monument remains uncertain. The extent to which Uclés’s intervention will galvanize broader public support for the monument’s removal is also yet to be seen. The Objective notes the ongoing nature of the debate.

Next Steps: A Procedural Outlook

The removal of the monument will likely involve a complex procedural process. The Tenerife city council would require to formally consider Uclés’s request and assess its legal implications under the Democratic Memory Law. This could involve consultations with legal experts, historical memory groups, and potentially a public hearing. Any decision to remove the monument could be subject to legal challenges from conservative groups or individuals who oppose its removal. The process could take months or even years to resolve, mirroring similar debates that have unfolded in other Spanish cities. The fate of the monument will depend on a combination of political will, legal considerations, and public opinion.