Former PSOE Senator Ángel Franco Denied Entry to European Exhibition at Santa Bárbara Castle

Political authorities inaugurated last Friday the exhibition commemorating the 40th anniversary of Spain's signing of the Treaty of Accession to the EEC, held at Santa Bárbara Castle. The event was presided over by the head of the Consell, Carlos Mazón, and the mayor of Alicante, Luis Barcala, along with other members of the Alicante City Council.

Despite warnings of protests due to Mazón's presence, none occurred. The parade ground and the Felipe II hall of the monument were closed for the presence of authorities. Entry of non-official vehicles to the Santa Ana bastion was also prohibited.

Santa Bárbara Castle was thus completely secured. Access was strictly controlled and monitored. No one without accreditation could attend. This was the case for former PSOE Senator Ángel Franco, who had to turn back as the local police denied him entry.

TodoAlicante witnessed the event on the same day, confirmed by Franco himself: "First, we were told we couldn't park the car at the top, so we left it further down; then, a local police officer denied us entry because we weren't authorised," recounted the former socialist leader. After a "polite conversation," both Franco and his companion decided not to insist and withdrew.

Ángel Franco is a historic figure of the PSOE in Alicante. In his extensive career since 1977, he has been the general secretary of UGT, a councillor in the Alicante City Council, and a senator for the province. Currently, he holds no organisational or institutional position, which is why he was told he was not invited.

"I find it regrettable that the exhibition is not open to the people of Alicante and that the event was reserved for a select few," Franco expressed in statements to this newspaper.

The specific event took place last Friday, hours after the President of the Generalitat faced protests from socialist councillors at the institutional event in Benidorm City Hall for Europe Day. At that time, PSPV councillors silently stood up from their seats and displayed banners calling for the resignation of the head of the Consell.