Democratic Board Manifesto: A 1974 Call for Freedom
The Manifesto of the Democratic Board (1974)
The Manifesto of the Democratic Board, written on July 29, 1974 (one year before the death of Generalissimo Franco), was aimed at Spanish society in general. It proposed twelve key measures to dismantle the dictatorial system, restore freedom, and move beyond the legacy of the Second Republic. These measures encompassed:
A) Political Rights: Restoration of popular sovereignty, amnesty for political prisoners, and legalization of all political parties.
B) Individual and Labor Rights: Freedom of the press and assembly, and the right to form trade unions.
C) Recognition of Regional Diversity: Acknowledgment of Spain’s pluralistic regional reality within the framework of national unity.
D) Separation of Church and State.
E) Accession to the European Economic Community (EEC), previously denied due to Spain’s dictatorial political system.
Key Terms and Concepts
The Democratic Board: A coalition formed in 1974 by groups opposing the Franco regime. Sponsored by the Spanish Communist Party (PCE), it included the Workers’ Commissions (CCOO), the Popular Socialist Party (PSP), and independent Carlists. Its strategy centered on a “democratic break” achieved through a general political strike to peacefully end the regime. It advocated for a provisional government, state restructuring, and a democratic system. It also sought integration into the EEC, army neutrality, and recognition of regional nationalism.
Amnesty: This refers to the release of political prisoners and labor activists imprisoned due to the regime’s repression. The demand for amnesty was a central demand of the political opposition. An amnesty was approved in 1976, during Adolfo Suárez’s government, initially excluding crimes involving bloodshed. This was followed by the reinstatement of dismissed university professors and the beginning of the return of political exiles from the Civil War. A more general amnesty was adopted in 1977.
Separation of Church and State: This aimed to re-establish Spain as a secular state, as it had been during the Second Republic. The Franco regime had granted the Church significant power and influence, making it a pillar of the dictatorship. The Church’s support for the regime resulted in economic benefits (state funding) and considerable power in areas like education and social morality.
European Communities: This term signified Spain’s aspiration to join the European organizations that the regime had been excluded from due to its fascist nature. The final point of the manifesto highlights Spain’s integration into the European Communities and its commitment to peaceful international coexistence, reflecting the need to “Europeanize” Spain and its international role. Franco had previously sought entry into the European Community (1962) and NATO, but the EEC denied entry in 1962, requiring a democratic system. Years later, the EEC established a preferential trade treaty with Spain. Full membership was only achieved in 1986, under the PSOE government of Felipe González.