The City Council of Antequera held an event in the gardens that bear his name to remember the councillor from Ermua, murdered by ETA 29 years ago.
The City Council of Antequera has paid tribute to Miguel Ángel Blanco, the councillor from Ermua murdered by ETA 29 years ago, at an institutional event held in the gardens that bear his name. The event was attended by members of the municipal Corporation, representatives from the National Police, Guardia Civil, Local Police, Air Force, and Civil Protection, as well as victims of terrorism and local residents.
A highly symbolic event
The mayor, Manuel Barón, opened the event with a recount of the events that took place on that July 13, 1997, from the kidnapping of the Popular Party councillor to his murder two days later. During his speech, he recalled the citizen mobilization that swept across Spain under the slogan "Miguel Ángel, freedom" and highlighted the emergence of the so-called Ermua spirit as a symbol of unity against terrorism. He also thanked the work of the State Security Forces and the institutions that participated in the tribute.
Councillor Marta González, the youngest member of the Corporation, read the manifesto from the Miguel Ángel Blanco Foundation, titled “Your legacy commits us”. The text defended the need to preserve the memory of the victims, advocated for the role of society and institutions in defeating ETA, and called for conveying what happened to new generations to prevent forgetfulness or manipulation.
Claims and memory
The manifesto also demanded truth, justice, and dignity for the victims, reminded that there are still over 300 unresolved murders, and criticized tributes to ETA prisoners. It insisted that the memory of Miguel Ángel Blanco continues to represent a commitment to the defense of democracy and freedom nearly three decades after his murder.
Present at the event was Josefa Gutiérrez Ramos, a widow from Antequera of a National Police officer murdered by the terrorist group in 1982. Her presence reminded everyone that Antequera has also suffered closely from the scourge of terrorism. For the locals, this tribute represents a moment of reflection on the importance of keeping historical memory alive and rejecting violence.
Mayor Barón emphasized that the spirit of Ermua "remains a beacon" for democratic coexistence. The event concluded with a floral offering and a minute of silence in memory of all victims of terrorism, in an atmosphere of solemnity and unity.
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