Democratic Manifesto of the Board (1974): A Call for Change in Francoist Spain
Democratic Manifesto of the Board (1974)
Context and Authors
This political manifesto, advocating for change within Spain, was drafted by the Democratic Board, a coalition of political groups and figures, on July 29, 1974. This period coincided with the decline of the Franco regime, with Franco himself hospitalized and weakened. The Democratic Board sought to establish a provisional government to restructure the state, organize a democratic regime, integrate Spain into the European Economic Community, ensure the army’s neutrality, and recognize Spain’s regional nationalisms.
The 12 Points of the Manifesto
The manifesto’s 12 points outlined a blueprint for political transformation in Spain. The core demands included:
- Return of Sovereignty: Restoring national sovereignty to the Spanish people.
- Amnesty for Political Prisoners: Releasing those imprisoned for political reasons.
- Pluralistic Political Framework: Legalizing all political parties.
- Workers’ Rights and Freedom of Association: Granting workers the right to organize.
- Media Freedom: Ensuring a free and independent press.
- Independent Judiciary: Establishing a separate and independent judicial system.
- Recognition of Regional Diversity: Acknowledging Spain’s pluralistic regional reality within a unified nation.
- Professional Armed Forces: Ensuring the military’s professionalism and neutrality.
- Religious Freedom: Separating church and state.
- Free Elections: Holding elections with democratic guarantees.
- European Integration: Aligning Spain with Europe politically, economically, and socially.
The Manifesto’s Goal
The manifesto aimed to achieve a democratic rupture, a radical shift from the Franco regime’s structures to a new system based on democratic principles.
The Regime’s Response and Transition
Following a period of instability marked by events like the assassination of Carrero Blanco and the appointment of Arias Navarro as Prime Minister, the Democratic Board shifted its strategy from a complete break to a negotiated transition. King Juan Carlos I played a key role in this process, appointing Adolfo Suárez to form a government that initiated Spain’s transition to democracy.
Francoism: Institutionalization and Social Foundations
Organic Laws
Franco, holding absolute power, assumed a constitutional role. Several organic laws shaped the regime, including:
- Labor Law (1938): Banned free trade unions and established a single, Falange-controlled union.
- Constitutive Act of Parliament (1942): Created a parliament elected through rigged indirect elections.
- Jurisdiction of the Spanish (1945): Outlined theoretical rights and duties influenced by Catholic traditionalism, without genuine recognition of political or social rights.
- National Referendum Act (1945): Allowed Franco to hold plebiscites to endorse laws in the absence of real freedoms.
- Law of Succession to the Head of State (1946): Declared Spain a kingdom and granted Franco the power to choose his successor.
Social Foundations
The dictatorship’s social base included:
- Landed Oligarchy: Regained financial and social dominance, benefiting from the regime’s economic policies.
- Rural Middle Classes: Primarily from northern and Castilian regions, strongly influenced by Catholicism.
Initially, repression and demoralization prevented widespread opposition. Economic development in the 1960s increased support among the middle and working classes, while liberalization fostered the growth of opposition.
Falange
The Falange, now under Franco’s control, differed significantly from its origins. It controlled social and economic life through institutions like the Youth Front, the Women’s Section, and the Trade Union Organization.
International Isolation and Internal Changes
In 1946, the UN rejected Spain’s membership due to its association with the Axis powers. This led to international isolation, although the US maintained some contact. Spain was excluded from the Marshall Plan and NATO. The regime attempted to improve its image by downplaying the Falange and fascist symbols. Catholic influence grew, and the Holy See’s support became crucial for breaking international isolation.