A legacy marked by pain and reflection
On 14 February 1996, a terrorist act cut short the life of Francisco Tomás y Valiente, president of the Constitutional Court, leaving an indelible mark on Spain's recent history. His son, Quico Tomás y Valiente, remembers that fateful day with a mix of sadness and determination. Three decades after the attack that changed his life forever, Quico shares his reflections on democratic memory in Spain and the impact terrorism has had on society.
In a recent interview with EFE, Quico questions how historical memory related to ETA has been addressed. According to him, there exists a “selective democratic memory”, driven by political interests that favour certain groups like Bildu. “It is disgraceful that those linked to a group responsible for my father's murder give lessons on memory,” he asserts firmly.
Quico argues that this bias in historical remembrance not only ignores the atrocities committed by ETA but also reflects a concerning political opportunism. “The current government's dependence on Bildu is evident; political conveniences are prioritised over a complete truth,” he adds.
Despite his criticisms of the political manipulation of historical memory, Quico celebrates what he considers a significant victory: the consolidation of democracy against terrorism. “The fact that the political heirs of ETA operate within the democratic framework is a triumph for all of us,” he points out. However, he warns of the risk of forgetting the sacrifices made to achieve that peace.
Remembering his father not only as a prominent politician but also as a man committed to civic and family values, Quico describes Francisco Tomás y Valiente as a good father, full of irony and a passion for knowledge. “He was a lover of books; our house was filled with them,” he reminisces nostalgically.
When asked about forgiveness towards those who perpetrated his father's murder, Quico responds without hesitation: “I am neither in hatred nor in revenge.” For him, forgiveness is a personal matter, and he feels no need to elevate the murderer to a status worthy of the same. “I have no issues with that; I simply do not consider him relevant,” he concludes.
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