Valls recalls 40 years of the first democratic City Council after the dictatorship

Valls paid a tribute that hit the nail on the head: 40 years without municipal democracy before 1979. The city has not forgotten those who made this change possible, which now seems essential.

On April 19, 1979, the first democratic City Council of Valls was established after four decades of dictatorship. This event was recently commemorated with a memory full of emotion and recognition for the key people of that era.

The return of democracy to Valls

Historical and social context

After 40 years under an authoritarian regime, the citizens of Valls were able to elect their representatives for the first time in 1979. This date marked the end of a very long period in which the popular voice had been silenced.

The democratic City Council was the cornerstone for a new stage of citizen participation and freedom, although the path was not easy at all.

The establishment of the City Council

On April 19, 1979, the constitutive session was held that launched the new local government elected by the people. This session was a key moment for the city, a kind of collective redemption after decades of repression.

The people who presided over that event and took on the responsibility of leading Valls became protagonists of a historic milestone that still moves the city today.

The recent tribute in Valls

An event full of emotion

On May 26, 2026, the City Council of Valls organized a tribute to remember that 1979 session and recognize those who made the return of democracy possible.

The remembrance was emotional, not only for the event itself but also for the symbolism that represents the transition to freedom and local democracy after 40 years.

Participation and recognition

The event included authorities, relatives, and neighbors who wanted to pay tribute to those pioneers of democracy in Valls. The importance of not forgetting this key moment was valued, because history often fades away if it is not remembered.

With this tribute, the spirit of struggle and hope that the regime change represented is kept alive.

Local democracy, now and always

Impact on today's city

Since that first democratic City Council, Valls has experienced political, social, and cultural changes that have defined its current identity. Citizen participation has increased, and public management has been adapting to real needs.

But the memory of that April 19, 1979 serves as a reminder that democracy is neither eternal nor guaranteed; it must be cared for.

Challenges for the future

The legacy of the 1979 City Council demands vigilance against threats to democracy and participation. Even if it seems everything is won, the reality is that freedom is a constant task.

That is why events like this tribute are more than symbolic: they are a warning and a commitment.

Valls does not forget who made it possible for its voice to count again after 40 years of oblivion.

Source of the article: City Council of Valls