Mallorca Christ statue's raised arm sparks Franco row

Mallorca’s Christ the King statue on Puig de Sant Salvador in Felanitx faces a review that could lead to its removal: Spain’s Ministry of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory will examine whether it belongs on a list of symbols contrary to democratic memory. At the Balearic Parliament on Tuesday, 27 October, regional minister Antònia Maria Estarellas defended the monument. She was answering a question from Vox MP Sergio Rodríguez.

The statue dates from 1934, before the Spanish Civil War and Franco’s dictatorship, Estarellas said. Its arm stretches upwards, but according to the Diocese, the gesture shows Jesus Christ blessing the people of Felanitx. The monument was not included on the list drawn up by the then Balearic government in 2019.

The Balearic government has received no notice from the ministry that proceedings have begun, Estarellas said. She argued that the statue’s historical and symbolic value should count, and that citizens should be heard. Her government would check any decision against current rules and defend the monument as heritage, she said.

Topics: Culture · Politics · Felanitx · Palma · Santanyí

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com