Francoist Spain: Political System and Ideology
Franco’s Rule (1939-1975)
Francisco Franco, leader of the Nationalist forces, headed the authoritarian regime that emerged after the Spanish Civil War. Until his death in November 1975, he ruled Spain as “Caudillo by the grace of God.” He held numerous titles, including Generalissimo of the Armed Forces, Chief of State, Head of Government, and the ultimate source of authority. He had the power to appoint and dismiss ministers and other decision-makers. Even as he aged and became less involved in policy-making, he retained final say on major political decisions. As a career soldier, Franco viewed society through a military lens. He believed he was destined to save Spain from the perceived chaos and instability of parliamentary democracy and political parties, which he blamed for fracturing the nation’s unity.
Political and Ideological Foundations
Franco’s authority stemmed from his victory in the Civil War. The armed forces provided security, while the Church and the National Movement granted legitimacy. The National Movement was the sole recognized political organization, encompassing Falangists, conservative Catholics, members of the armed forces, business groups, technocrats, and civil servants. Franco skillfully manipulated these factions, preventing any single group from challenging his authority. Membership in the National Movement was mandatory for civil servants and those holding political office. The Francoist regime implemented policies favoring the Catholic Church, restoring it as the official religion and providing government subsidies. The Church regained its prominent role in education and became a primary ideological source of Francoism, imposing Catholic morality on all aspects of life. A new Concordat was signed in 1953. The military also played a crucial supporting role, occupying a significant portion of Franco’s cabinets and holding key positions in central and local administrations. Regional autonomy was reversed, and Spain became a highly centralized state. Regional governmental bodies were abolished, and measures were taken against the use of Basque and Catalan languages. The regime championed the idea of a united state, “Una, Grande, Libre.”
Franco sought to eliminate all traces of parliamentary democracy. Political parties were outlawed, universal suffrage was abolished, and freedoms of expression and association were restricted. Criticism of the regime was considered treason. Labor organizations were forbidden, and compulsory affiliation to the official vertical syndicate (OSE) was enforced. Strikes were deemed acts of treason. Strict censorship was imposed, and the regime controlled a network of newspapers and media outlets. Until 1966, all publications were subject to prior censorship. While liberal, leftist, and working-class elements had supported the Popular Front, the conservative upper classes formed the regime’s primary base of support.
Fundamental Laws
Franco never established a comprehensive constitutional system. Instead, seven fundamental laws enacted during his rule provided a semblance of constitutionalism:
- Labor Charter (1938):Outlined the regime’s social policy, emphasizing the mutual obligations of the state and its citizens. It promised adequate wages, paid vacations, and limited working hours but ensured labor compliance by classifying strikes as treason. Spanish workers were required to join vertical syndicates, where owners and employees were expected to cooperate for the nation’s benefit.
- Constituent Law of the Cortes (1942): Created a purely advisory body with indirectly elected or appointed members. The Cortes had no power to initiate legislation or oppose the government, only to approve laws presented by the executive branch. Franco held executive authority and appointed and dismissed ministers.
- Charter of Rights (1945): Granted rights that were more symbolic than democratic and could be suspended. The charter emphasized the duty of Spaniards to serve and obey the law over their basic rights as citizens.
- Organic Law of the State (1966): Established a separation between the functions of the president of the government and the head of state. It introduced measures to modernize the system and remove vestiges of fascist terminology.
- Law of Referenda (1945): Stipulated that after 1947, a referendum would be required to alter any fundamental law. Franco retained the right to decree such laws.
- Law of Succession (1947): Proclaimed Spain a “Catholic, social, and representative monarchy.” Franco was appointed regent for life and held the right to name his successor.
- Law on the Principles of the National Movement (1958): Defined the institutions of government and reaffirmed Spain’s identity as a traditional, Catholic monarchy.