Over a year after it first embarked on attempts to exhume the dictator Francisco Franco, the Spanish government will this Saturday close the Valle de los Caídos ("Valley of the Fallen"), the controversial site of his tomb for preparatory work.
After months of challenges in the courts and legal battles, it appears prime minister Pedro Sánchez will finally be able to meet one of his first promises when he took office in summer 2018. The date they will close the Valle for these works in the end is also interesting: 12th October is Dia de la Hispanidad, Spain's National Day.
Spanish deputy prime minister Carmen Calvo announced, in a press conference after today's cabinet meeting, that the dictator's remains will be moved to their new resting place in Mingorrubio cemetery before 25th October. The cemetery, in the village of El Pardo, much closer to Madrid than the Valle, also houses his wife and many of his former senior ministers.
Calvo said that they are still to confirm the final technical and security details for the move and that they will give his family's 48 hours' notice of the precise date and time. She didn't discount suggestions he could be moved by helicopter, explaining that they are still considering what would be the best option: by land or air.