Democratic Transition in Spain: Key Events and Challenges
Spain’s Transition to Democracy
After the death of dictator Franco, Spain began a transition process to move from a dictatorship to a democratic state under the rule of law. This process started following Franco’s death on November 20, 1975, and concluded after the electoral victory of the PSOE on October 28, 1978.
King Juan Carlos I, Franco’s successor, aimed to achieve a consensus that would avoid confrontation. Initially, he maintained Arias Navarro as President to avoid alarming Franco supporters. In July 1976, Arias Navarro resigned, and Adolfo Suarez, who was accepted by former Falangist sectors, was appointed Prime Minister.
The 1977 General Elections and the UCD Government
In the 1977 general elections, the UCD (Union of the Democratic Centre) won the most votes and formed a government headed by Adolfo Suárez, with the PSOE as the second-largest party. The new government focused on normalizing the democratic process.
The government faced significant challenges, including unemployment, fiscal reform, and drafting the Constitution. In October 1977, the Moncloa Pacts were signed. These agreements involved major political parties, trade unions, the government, and entrepreneurs, aiming to address Spain’s economic problems, such as inflation, unemployment, and industrial and political retardation. They also aimed to create the Constitution of 1978.
To reduce inflation, public spending was controlled, and the peseta was devalued. In 1978, income tax came into effect, marking a significant step forward compared to other developed countries. The Moncloa Pacts improved the social climate.
The 1978 Constitution
The 1978 Constitution defines Spain’s current political system and the rights and freedoms of its citizens. It was developed over fifteen months between 1976 and 1977.
The Constitution is comprehensive, embodying a radical change of political regime, returning sovereignty to the people, and ensuring their freedoms. It consists of 11 titles and 169 articles, drawing from liberalism, democratic socialism, and Christian humanism.
The Elections of 1979 and the Crisis of the UCD (1982)
New elections in March 1979, again won by the UCD, initiated a legislative session to develop normal democratic constitutional principles. For the first time since the Republic, municipal elections were held.
The issue of nationality was legally addressed. Catalonia approved its Statute of Autonomy, and Josep Tarradellas was reinstated as president. The Basque case was more complex, with desires to incorporate Navarre into Basque autonomy. Regional governments were formed in the Basque Country and Galicia. Discussions arose about generalizing autonomy and decentralization to other regions.
The End of the Transition and the UCD’s Decline
The UCD faced significant challenges in leading Spain to democracy. However, internal divisions within the party led to a crisis. By 1980, factions emerged, and powerful figures questioned Suárez’s leadership. Adolfo Suárez resigned in January 1981 under pressure from his party.
A coup attempt by soldiers against what they perceived as the breakup of the unity of the motherland in autonomy was already being plotted, while ETA committed murders. Before Suárez’s resignation, a provisional government was established, with Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo as president.