The tribute, held in the Patio de Cristales of the Casa de la Villa, gathered five of his successors at the head of the City Council: Juan Barranco, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, Ana Botella, Manuela Carmena, and José Luis Martínez-Almeida. The event served to reclaim the figure of the 'Old Professor' as a benchmark for coexistence, culture, urban modernization, and political dialogue, calling for harmony in a polarized context.
The dean of the Body of Chroniclers of the Villa, Pedro Montoliú, contextualized Tierno Galván's work, recalling that during his almost seven years in office, he promoted coexistence and the rebalancing of the city. His administration was characterized by the creation of facilities in disadvantaged neighborhoods, new amenities such as the Planetarium, renovations of historic buildings like the Casa de la Villa and the Casa de la Panadería, the founding of the Municipal Housing Company, the revitalization of festivals, and support for the Movida Madrileña cultural movement.
“"He was an unrepeatable figure who promoted culture, coexistence, and made the city more humane. His personal style and his status as a great intellectual continue to serve as a lesson in political pedagogy."
Former mayor Manuela Carmena emphasized the pedagogical aspect of Tierno Galván's attitudes and his ability to listen to those not expected to be heard. For her part, Ana Botella focused her intervention on concord, noting that Tierno's figure reminds us that civil peace is a fundamental requirement in a free city and warned of the risk of replacing debate with combat. According to the former mayor, political adversaries are part of a shared future, despite their differing visions.
Former mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón highlighted Tierno Galván's ability to identify with the city and a generation, combining vast culture with popular language that allowed him to connect with youth and the Movida Madrileña. The current mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, closed the tribute by emphasizing that the unity generated by the event could only be explained by the affection and gratitude towards Enrique Tierno Galván from those who have had the honor of serving the people of Madrid.
The PSOE has organized a special program for the 40th anniversary of Tierno Galván's death, which includes a traveling exhibition, round tables, a series of conferences, the publication of a compilation of his municipal edicts, and a guided urban route through the projects of his mandate. A tribute in the Congress of Deputies, the presentation of a commemorative book, a citizen event in the Plaza de Dalí, and the installation of a bust in the courtyard of the Casa de Cisneros are also planned.
