It is the sitting socialist government that has ordered the removal of Franco's remnants from the Valley of the Fallen, Valle de los Caídos in Spanish, which has long been a monument dedicated to the soldiers who died during the Spanish Civil War. The idea now is that the site should instead become a monument to the victims of fascism.

“The excavation of Franco's remnants should make us reflect on what this means for our country's image and for democracy. Young people should understand that we can never be without democracy again, ”Spain's Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said in a statement, according to Reuters.

Controversial decision

The decision to relocate has been bordered by controversy. The idea was for the move to take place as early as June, but after Franco's family filed protests, the move was temporarily halted by Spain's highest court.

According to Franco's oldest grandson, Francisco Franco y Martínez-Bordiú, the remains have become a political bat in Spain.

"I feel great anger because they have used something as cowardly as digging up a corpse, that they are using a body as propaganda and political advertising, to win a handful of votes before an election," he says according to Reuters.

However, the majority of Spaniards seem to be in favor of the move. According to a poll by El Mundo, which Reuters found out, 43 percent of Spain's population is in favor of a move, while 32.5 are against.