Spain––Franco Exhumation Approved

By Guy Hedgecoe, BBC News, Madrid

This was a resounding ruling in favour of the Spanish government, with the Supreme Court unanimously approving the exhumation. 

Just as noteworthy was the court's rejection of a claim by the Franco family that if the exhumation should go ahead, the remains should be reburied in a crypt beneath Almudena Cathedral in central Madrid. 

Although the family could now go to the Constitutional Court, many observers believe another appeal would not succeed. The government, which has seen its plan to exhume Franco repeatedly delayed, will now aim to carry it out as soon as possible. 

There are some, relatively minor, hurdles still to overcome, such as securing the Catholic Church's co-operation, but if Franco's remains are moved by 10 November it would give the Socialists a boost in the general election to be held that day. 

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What has been the reaction to the ruling?

Mr Sanchez said the government had always been guided by the determination to alleviate the suffering of Franco's victims.

"Today is a great victory of Spanish democracy," he said. 

"The Supreme Court has endorsed the exhumation of Franco's remains and his transfer to El Pardo. Justice, memory and dignity."

Pablo Iglesias of the leftist Podemos party said the move was a "very important step" to remove a shame which had been present despite 40 years of democracy.