Alfonso XIII’s Manifesto: Abdication After Spain’s 1931 Elections
Alfonso XIII’s Manifesto
Published in ABC, Three Days After the Proclamation of the Second Republic
This text was published in the Madrid newspaper ABC three days after the Second Republic was proclaimed. The author, Alfonso XIII, was the holder of dynastic rights.
Historical Context
The main precedent and trigger for this situation was the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera. This led to public criticism of the King, who had accepted Primo de Rivera’s appointment as Prime Minister and Chairman of the Government without seeking alternative solutions to the crisis and problems existing in Spain at the time.
Following Primo de Rivera’s resignation, King Alfonso XIII attempted to restore constitutional normalcy. He appointed Dámaso Berenguer as Prime Minister, who was later removed and replaced with a pre-coup figure. Berenguer granted amnesty to artillerymen and professors, and ended Unamuno’s exile. However, he faced numerous problems, including the need to alleviate public debt and deficits, leading to state budget cuts, job losses, and increased unemployment.
Furthermore, an atmosphere of tolerance (the CNT was legalized) led to more strikes and demonstrations. Ultimately, there was a widespread rejection of the King due to his association with Primo de Rivera.
The Path to the Second Republic
Republicans of all political stripes, nationalists, and socialists joined forces to plan a revolt with a fixed date (December 15) to impose a republic. They organized a major mobilization involving the army, workers, and Catalans, and called for rallies and strikes. However, two individuals prematurely initiated the uprising in Jaca two days before the planned date, leading to a lack of coordination and the failure of the revolt.
The political members of the Pact of San Sebastian, as this alliance was known, were imprisoned. Prior censorship was imposed, and a state of war was declared. Berenguer resigned amid criticism, notably highlighted in an article by Ortega y Gasset titled “Berenguer’s Error.” He was succeeded by Admiral Aznar, who called for municipal elections.
Following the triumph of Republican candidates, the King froze royal power until the next elections to the Cortes. It was during this period that he wrote this manifesto and gave it to the then Prime Minister, Aznar, to be read on the advice of a minister.
Analysis of the Manifesto
Analyzing some of the ideas and implications of the text, we begin with the fact that Alfonso XIII acknowledges that he does not currently have the support of Spain but hopes this is not definitive. He later states that he does not renounce his dynastic rights, even though he is relinquishing royal power, should the monarchy be restored in Spain.
The King admits that he erred in his handling of the situation with Miguel Primo de Rivera and the subsequent attempt to return to a constitutional monarchy. However, he excuses himself on the grounds that he faced “difficult situations” (referencing events like the Annual disaster and the crisis of 1917).
It is worth noting that when Franco later opted for a monarchy, he chose Juan Carlos I (the current King) as King. Juan Carlos I’s father subsequently ceded his dynastic rights, inherited from Alfonso XIII, to him.
Alfonso XIII also states that he is stepping down not because he cannot win, but to avoid a civil war (although one would occur five years later). This is questionable, as part of the army was against him (the artillerymen and those who supported the uprising), as was the director of the Civil Guard, Sanjurjo. Additionally, the political parties that supported the monarchy were in crisis.
He hoped that elections to the Cortes would lead to a change of heart and allow him to retake royal power. However, the Republic emerged from the will of the people, and the monarch respected this decision, recognizing national sovereignty.