Madrid auction of Pazo de Meirás items sparks controversy

The heirs of Francisco Franco have auctioned 689 lots of items removed from the Pazo de Meirás in Madrid, organized by Magna Art Auctions. The collection includes personal memorabilia, such as a 1970 photograph of Juan Carlos I dedicated to Franco, embroidered linens with the dictator's initials, and various artworks, furniture, and porcelain.

Some items reached significant prices, including a 17th-century Talavera pitcher that sold for 10,000 euros and a heraldic tapestry that fetched 9,000 euros. Other notable sales included Qing dynasty porcelain and various religious paintings and sculptures.

The auction has faced intense criticism from historical memory associations, such as the Commission for the Recovery of Historical Memory of A Coruña (CRMH). These groups argue that the items should be considered public domain and part of the national heritage, calling for a democratic reflection on the sale. The Spanish Ministry of Culture stated that the auctioned goods are those that the State did not claim during the judicial process to recover the property.