The National Court halts the declaration of Ayuso's headquarters as a site of Democratic Memory

An unexpected turn in Madrid politics

In a recent ruling, the National Court has decided to provisionally suspend the declaration of the Real Casa de Correos, the headquarters of the Government of the Community of Madrid, as a site of Democratic Memory. This decision comes after an appeal presented by the regional Executive led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, who argued that such a designation could severely harm the institutional image of the building.

The Ministry of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, under the leadership of Ángel Víctor Torres, had justified its decision by pointing out that during the Franco regime, this emblematic building housed the General Directorate of Security, a place associated with torture and political repression. The measure was adopted in October 2025, generating significant controversy in the political and social spheres.

The contentious-administrative appeal presented by the Community argued that classifying its headquarters as a place linked to torture could irreversibly damage its image. In the ruling issued by the relevant chamber, it is mentioned that although it cannot be stated with certainty that this declaration would cause irreversible damage, there is a real possibility that it could negatively affect the public perception of the regional Government.

Following the judicial ruling, a new chapter opens in this dispute between institutions. The National Court has made it clear that this suspension is provisional and that the Ministry has the right to file an appeal to attempt to reverse it. Meanwhile, Ayuso has emphasized on various occasions the historical and tourist importance of the building located in Puerta del Sol, defending its legacy beyond the dark episodes associated with its history.

The ruling highlights several important points: first, it acknowledges the regional Government's duty to protect its institutional image; second, it underscores that there is a valid hypothesis regarding possible adverse effects arising from this declaration. Consequently, it is deemed appropriate to adopt precautionary measures until it is definitively resolved whether it is legal to grant such recognition to the property.