The Poble Nou de Benitatxell Town Council has approved the withdrawal of the distinction of adopted son granted to the dictator Francisco Franco in 1940, on the first anniversary of the end of the Civil War, by order of the Alicante Provincial Council to all town councils. The motion, promoted by the Heritage councilor, Víctor Bisquert, has been supported by the seven councilors of the Més Benitatxell government team, while two members of the REDcv group have abstained and the PP councilor has voted against.
The decision, framed in Law 20/2022 of Democratic Memory, responds to the legal obligation to eliminate Francoist honors and symbols. In addition to revoking the status of adopted child, it is proposed to annul the agreement adopted in 1940, highlighting the undemocratic nature of the initial measure.
The process to revoke this title began after the appointment of Régulo Lorente as favorite son in December. When investigating historical documentation, Franco's appointment as an adopted son was discovered, which was considered an anomaly that required urgent correction.
The decision not only seeks to correct historical errors, but also to reaffirm the rejection of any recognition of dictatorial figures or actions. It is highlighted that this type of honors are granted to those who have contributed to the well-being of the municipality through their personal merits or services provided, as in the case of Régulo Lorente.
The plenary session has also approved other important issues such as a modification in the ford ordinance and the delegation of its management to SUMA; a modification of the tax ordinances of urban taxes such as the TAMU or the ICIO, which had not been modernized for 20 years and which incorporate important bonuses for reforms in the urban area, the implementation of new businesses in this same area or the repair and enhancement dry stone walls, among others; or the approval of an action plan and regulations for actions carried out in areas of archaeological relevance.
