Spanish dictator Franco's family told to hand back summer palace

The case was taken up in Galicia when it emerged that Franco's family had put the property up for sale

A court in north-western Spain has declared that a summer palace used by late Spanish dictator Francisco Franco belongs to the state and his family should hand it over.

The judge ruled that the Pazo de Meirás was given to Franco in 1938 in his role as head of state and not in a personal capacity.

Gen Franco ruled Spain from 1939 until his death in 1975.

His descendants have repeatedly sought to defend his legacy in the courts.

Last year, they lost a legal battle with Spain's Socialist-led government for the right to keep his remains in a mausoleum at a national monument near Madrid called the Valley of Fallen.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53995386