Bust of Manuel Fraga Vandalized in Vilalba by Basque Youth Group
Vilalba, Lugo – A bust of Manuel Fraga Iribarne, the former minister under Franco, vice president of the Spanish Government, and president of the Xunta de Galicia, was vandalized in his hometown of Vilalba, Lugo, on Saturday. The act was claimed by the Basque youth organization Gazte Koordinadora Sozialista (GKS).
GKS Claims Responsibility
GKS announced their involvement through social media, sharing a video depicting three individuals throwing red paint at the statue. The organization framed the act as a response to the 50th anniversary of the events of March 3, 1976, in Vitoria-Gasteiz, where five workers were killed by the Policía Armada during a strike. GKS identifies Fraga as a key figure responsible for the deaths of those workers. El Correo Gallego reports that GKS stated, “The fight for March 3 is not over!”
The Events of March 3, 1976
The March 3, 1976 incident occurred during a period of widespread strikes in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Police forces intervened to disperse a workers’ assembly held in the Church of San Francisco de Asís, resulting in the deaths of five strikers and injuries to dozens more. At the time, Manuel Fraga served as Minister of the Interior under the Franco regime. Europa Press details the context of the event.
Political Reactions
Alfonso Rueda, the current president of the Xunta de Galicia, responded to the vandalism on social media, expressing his disapproval. He stated that the perpetrators disrespect symbols and a president who achieved four absolute majorities from the Galician people, and only respect their own sectarianism. La Voz de Galicia reported on Rueda’s reaction.
Related Senate Initiative
The vandalism coincides with a recent initiative registered in the Spanish Senate by the BNG, ERC, Junts, EH Bildu, PNV, Compromís, Geroa Bai, Más Madrid, Agrupación Socialista Gomera, and the senator for Pitiusas, calling for the removal of Fraga’s image from the upper house. El Correo Gallego highlights this parallel development.