Madrid City Hall votes to change street names linked with dictator Franco

MADRID, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The Madrid City Council on Friday voted on a motion aimed at changing the names of 52 streets, squares and public spaces that embody the fascist dictatorship of Francisco Franco, who ruled Spain from 1939 until his death in late 1975.

The voting was held after a municipal investigation established that the change of the names was in line with the 2007 Historical Memory Law.

The Madrid City Hall has promised to offer compensation to the 50,000 residents and 2,000 businesses that will be affected by the change of the names.