Do TJ policies cause backlash? Evidence from street name changes in Spain

Memories of old conflicts often shape domestic politics long after these end. Contemporary debates about past civil wars and/or repressive regimes in different parts the world suggest that are sensitive topics might increase political polarization, particularly when transitional justice policies implemented and parties mobilize discontentment with such policies. One policy recently debated Spain is removing public symbols linked to a war subsequent authoritarian regime (i.e., Francoism). However, empirical evidence on its impact still limited. This article attempts fill this gap by examining consequences street renaming. Using difference-in-differences approach, we show removal Francoist names has contributed an electoral support for new far-right party, Vox, mainly at expense traditional right-wing conservative PP. Our results revisiting can cause backlash among those ideologically aligned perpetrator, some capitalize this.