Móstoles commemorates Miguel Ángel Blanco on an emotional 29th anniversary

The Móstoles City Council has paid tribute to the councillor murdered by ETA on the 29th anniversary of his death, with a floral offering and a minute of silence.

The monolith in Arroyo del Soto Park, in Móstoles, was yesterday the scene of a highly symbolic event. There, Mayor Manuel Bautista, along with members of the municipal Corporation and institutional representatives, commemorated the 29th anniversary of the murder of Miguel Ángel Blanco, the young councillor from Ermua who was kidnapped and killed by ETA in 1997.

A slogan that recalls the spirit of Ermua

Under the slogan "Your legacy commits us", the event aimed to keep alive the memory of all victims of terrorism, especially that crime which shocked Spain. The Miguel Ángel Blanco Foundation has prepared a manifesto that highlights the civic resistance that was born then: the Spirit of Ermua, which marked the line between democrats and terrorists.

During the ceremony, a floral offering was made at the monolith. The music was provided by Miguel Ángel Perdiguero and Álvaro Huecas, who performed Gabriel Fauré's Pavane on the clarinet. After a minute of silence, the Spanish National Anthem was played to conclude the tribute.

The mayor: "We cannot allow it to fall into oblivion"

The mayor of Móstoles, Manuel Bautista, took the floor to emphasise the importance of keeping the memory alive.

"Institutions have the responsibility and firm commitment that this crime does not fall into oblivion. Our country fought for decades against the terror and barbarism that cut short the lives of thousands of victims. The unity of all Spaniards led to their defeat," he stated.

Bautista also wanted to emphasise that the fight against ETA was won thanks to the strength of the democratic state, the work of the Security Forces, Justice, and the public outcry in the streets.

The Móstoles mayor added that, 29 years later, it is necessary for new generations to know what happened.

"We want to continue remembering what happened so that it does not happen again, so that young people know what that terrible kidnapping and murder was that shocked all of Spanish society," he pointed out.

Institutional and community presence

The event was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Economy and Employment, María del Carmen Tejera, and the deputy of the Assembly of Madrid, Ismael Sirio. Representatives from the National Police, Municipal Police, and Civil Guard were also present, along with members of associations, entities, and residents of Móstoles.

The tribute is part of the events taking place in hundreds of Spanish cities to commemorate the memory of Miguel Ángel Blanco and all victims of terrorism. In Móstoles, Arroyo del Soto Park has become the annual meeting point for this unmissable date with democratic memory.

For the residents of Móstoles, the event represents an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to democracy and coexistence. The floral offering and minute of silence have become a tradition that the city has maintained for nearly three decades.