Doug H. responding to Jim D. writes:
[by the way, which former prime minister was that? was he (or she)
_literally_ a fascist?]
Aznar. And it's not far from true; I think his party is a direct
descendant of Franco's.
Doug is right, in fact its worse: Aznar has a direct personal involvement
with historical fascism.
1) Aznar (who is in his mid 50s) was a University leader for a
especially hard line wing of Franco's Falangist Party, for example he was a
leader in the group that consciously copied images and ideology from the
Hitlerjugend and Mussilini's Balilla y Arditi. And the particular
University section he helped lead (in the most conservative law school in
Madrid) was known for its viciousness, including organizing violent attacks
on pro-democracy students. Aznar's father was a prominent fascist, his
grandfather was a prominent fascist and his wife was also a fascist student
activist (in the same vicious, violent, law school unit).
With the death of Franco, Aznar joined with most of the fascist activists
in forming the marginal and extremist Alinanza Poplular party under the
infamous Manuel Fraga (Franco's Minister for Propaganda). Fraga helped
"mentor" Aznar to leadership and Aznar made him honorary President of the
Party. This party's fascist roots left it thoroughly discredited (less
than 10% of the vote) until widespread disillusionment set in with the
waffling and corrupt Socialist Party and an incompetent center. Aznar's
Party renamed itself Partido Popular and brought in a few small orthodox
right wing parties, all of which seems to have provided adequate
rehabilitation. Aznar, and his party, has vigorously resisted all
attempts to come to grips with Spain (and his) fascist past.
2) I won't spend time on the King Juan Carlos' own personal
involvement with the historical fascist movement. And no doubt Aznar's
nefarious (and ongoing!) involvement in Venezuala may leave Chavez feeling
justified. Plus, this all may play well in Venezuela (many Lat Americans
have misgivings about Spain as cruel colonial ruler, and a good number of
Republican Spaniards sought refuge in Venezuela).
But - all this said - if I were a Spanish Pen-l member, I might not welcome
Chavez' intervention. It is hard to emphasize how repressed and unresolved
Spain remains over its fascist past. Large efforts are needed, carefully
constructed. Foreigners can (and must) participate. But name calling from
foreigners probably hurts the cause - in Spain at least.
Paul
