The event, scheduled for this Saturday, is an initiative by the JNC and features the participation of Junts councilor in la Galera, Iasmina Mihaela Balu, who emphasizes the importance of understanding the past to face present challenges.
“"This year what we want is to reflect on Francoist repression in the Terres de l'Ebre and connect it with current challenges such as the rise of the far-right."
The conference program includes a morning guided tour of the La Sénia Airfield. In the afternoon, two presentations will take place: 'Francoist Repression in the Terres de l'Ebre', by activist Felip Puig, and 'Ebrenc Deportees to Nazi Camps and the Maquis Resistance', presented by historian Joan Batiste Beltran.
The day will conclude with a colloquium and an open question session, featuring Felip Monclús, History professor and president of Junts in the Ebrenc vegueria, and Batiste Forcadell, economist and former director of COMEBE. This debate will address the relationship between historical memory and the growth of ultra-right ideology, considered an exercise in forgetting.
“"We see the return of authoritarian discourses and if we don't understand what happened during Francoism, it's much easier to trivialize fascism. We must remember what happened and build a future with a democratic narrative."
Balu highlights the importance of youth mobilization against the potential presence of the far-right in upcoming municipal elections. As a History teacher, she insists on the need to foster critical thinking, especially among young people, who are more susceptible to simplistic discourses spread through social media.
She acknowledges that many of her students are unaware of historical facts like the Condor Legion, and argues that, while not influencing thought, it is fundamental to defend democracy. She concludes that "without memory, there is no solid democracy" and that any contribution to its strengthening is vital.
