Spain's Constitutional Court halts repeal of Baleares memory law

Spain's Constitutional Court has suspended the Balearic Parliament's approval of a law that would have repealed the 2018 Memory and Democratic Recognition Act. The suspension, effective from the filing of the government’s constitutional challenge on 9 June, keeps the original law in force while the court examines the case.

The repeal had been backed by the regional government of PP leader Marga Prohens and the far‑right Vox party, fulfilling a key electoral promise. The central government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, argued that the repeal violated constitutional principles protecting victims' rights and legal certainty.

Regional and national politicians reacted sharply. Francina Armengol, president of the Spanish Congress, praised the court’s move, saying “the justice system shows we are on the right side of history.” Vox spokesperson Manuela Cañadas condemned Sánchez, claiming he “has not respected a democratically taken decision of the Balearic Parliament.” The Balearic PP later downplayed the issue, stating the derogation was never a priority for the party.