Democratic Board Manifesto: A Call for Democracy in Spain (1974)
Manifesto of the Democratic Board (1974)
Introduction
This is an excerpt from the “Manifesto of the Democratic Board” dated July 29, 1974, during the final stage of the Franco regime. The Democratic Board of Spain was an organization opposed to Franco that emerged in Paris in 1974 and was led by the Communist Party of Spain (PCE), under Santiago Carrillo. Besides the PCE, it included the Carlist Party, Workers’ Commissions (CCOO), the Popular Socialist Party (PSP) led by Enrique Tierno Galván, and others. The JDE’s public presentation was held simultaneously on July 29, 1974, in Paris and Madrid.
This historic document is a political manifesto and a primary historical source. It is intended for the Spanish public and, especially, the Franco government. This text is framed within the final period of Franco’s dictatorship, a year before the dictator’s death on November 20, 1975.
Background
Emerging after the victory of the rebel camp in 1939, the Franco dictatorship lasted nearly forty years without concessions. Between 1970 and 1975—amidst the oil shocks—coordination increased between the opposition and enemies of Franco’s regime, who demanded the dismantling of the system and the formation of a provisional government. It was clear that the regime’s end was imminent. At that time, Franco was already very ill and weak, and his dictatorship was gradually crumbling, facing labor strikes, student protests, and criticism from the Church. Added to this were the terrorist attacks by ETA, which in 1973 assassinated Admiral Carrero Blanco, a key figure for the continuity of Francoism. Two years later, several ETA members would be sentenced to death and executed.
Demands of the Democratic Board
This text provides the keys to analyzing the political demands made by the Democratic Board in 1974 to establish democracy in Spain. This political manifesto outlined 12 points for a peaceful transition to democracy.
1. Provisional Government and Basic Freedoms
The manifesto begins by calling for the creation of a provisional government that would pave the way to democracy, establishing basic freedoms in Spain. This first point stems from a desire to dismantle the system and return to Spanish society its rights—in short, the national sovereignty that was taken away after the Civil War.
2. Amnesty for Political Prisoners
Section 2 requests amnesty for all political prisoners held in Spanish prisons. It’s important to remember that at the time there were political prisoners from various anti-Franco underground movements, including the political opposition, universities, and even the Church.
3-6. Basic Rights
Points 3, 4, 5, and 6 cover the request to introduce basic rights such as the legalization of political parties, freedom of association, the right to strike, freedom of the press and radio, and many other fundamental aspects of any democracy.
7. Judicial Independence
Point 7 refers to the need for judicial independence, a cornerstone of a democratic system.
8. Political Neutrality of the Army
Point 8 addresses the Army and the need for the armed forces to remain politically neutral.
9. Recognition of Historic Nationalities
Section 9 makes a “somewhat ambiguous” proposal for the specific recognition of historic nationalities, possibly foreshadowing the Spain of Autonomous Regions that would be enshrined in the 1978 Constitution.
10. Separation of Church and State
Paragraph 10 calls for the separation of church and state.
11. Defining the Form of State
Point 11 refers to the need to define the form of state—republic or monarchy—to be chosen through a national referendum.
12. Integration into International Organizations
Finally, the document concludes by stating that Spain needs to be integrated into international organizations such as the European Community.
Impact and Legacy
With this manifesto, the Democratic Board defined its democratic ideals and quickly gained significant political and social support. The Board’s activity was directed both at the people and institutions and at powerful figures in society, such as business leaders, military, and ecclesiastical authorities. It also had an international dimension, with relations with the authorities of the European Economic Community, ambassadors, etc.
It’s important to note that not all political opposition to Franco was concentrated in the Democratic Board. For example, Basque and Catalan nationalists and monarchists in exile did not participate in the JD. Neither did the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE), which a year later, in June 1975, decided to form the Democratic Convergence Platform with other parties. Finally, both the EC and the Democratic Convergence Platform joined forces shortly before Franco’s death in what was known as PLATAJUNTA, but in practice, it never functioned.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this document of great historical value is a primary source for understanding the political thought and demands of a sector of the opposition to the Franco regime in its final stage.