From Dictatorship to Democracy: Spain’s Transformation
The Transition to Democracy
The period stretching from the ascent to the throne of King Juan Carlos and the arrival of the Socialists to power in 1982.
Franco’s Death and Initial Challenges
When Franco died, the fundamental laws provided for the continuation of the scheme and becoming a democratic monarchy. Since November 1975, Spain developed a process of political transition in which the Constitution was enacted in 1978, serving as the currently enforced law, establishing a constitutional monarchy. The transition ends with the coming to power of the Socialists in 1982, who remained in power until 1996 (14 years). The Popular Party ruled for 8 years (1996-2008), and since 2004, the Socialists have been governing.
During this period, Spain modernized its political and economic structures and consolidated the welfare state. The economic crisis, with the international oil crisis (caused by the spectacular rise in oil prices since 1973), interrupted the economic expansion of rich countries, dragging down weak and dependent economies like Spain’s. Political uncertainty after the dictator’s death exacerbated the crisis.
Economic Difficulties
Spain faced a difficult economic situation:
- Increased external deficit due to decreased income (foreign investment and migrant remittances) and increased payments, notably for expensive oil imports.
- Soaring inflation, primarily due to rising production costs.
- Decreased corporate profits, affecting the weakest companies.
- Increased unemployment, exacerbated by the cessation of emigration to Europe and the return of many migrants.
This severe economic depression lasted until 1985, complicating the transition to democracy. Some social sectors wrongly blamed the economic collapse on democracy, nostalgically recalling Franco’s era of perceived economic prosperity.
Beginning of the Transition (1975-1978)
After Franco’s death, three alternatives emerged:
- Continuation of the Francoist regime without Franco.
- Reform promoted by existing institutions, leading to democratization.
- Break with the dictatorial past and construction of a new political system led by democratic forces.
On November 22, 1975, Juan Carlos de Borbón was proclaimed king. He retained Arias Navarro as Prime Minister, who incorporated reformers into his cabinet. However, Arias Navarro’s program, the “Spirit of February 12th,” proposed restrictive laws on freedom of assembly and association, excluding political parties.
Popular Mobilizations and Political Change
The opposition formed a common agenda, with the Democratic Platform joining the Democratic Coordination. They demanded a constituent process, a provisional government, and general elections. Increased labor disputes and demands for political change led to general strikes in Catalonia and the Basque Country, met with government repression.
King Juan Carlos and Torcuato Fernández-Miranda forced Arias Navarro’s resignation, appointing Adolfo Suárez as Prime Minister in July 1976. Suárez initiated contact with democratic forces and enacted an amnesty for political prisoners. He proposed the Political Reform Act (LRP), recognizing fundamental rights and a democratic electoral system.
Approval of the Reform Act and General Elections
The Reform Act was approved by the Francoist Cortes after negotiations, guaranteeing their economic and social status. The law was approved in a referendum on December 15, 1976, with 81% voter support. This paved the way for general elections.
Decrees allowed freedom of association, legalization of political parties, and amnesty for political crimes. The legalization of the Communist Party (PCE) in April 1977 caused a government crisis.
General Elections were held on June 15, 1977:
- UCD: 166 deputies
- PSOE: 118 deputies
- PCE: 19 deputies
- AP (Popular Alliance): 19 deputies
Drafting the Constitution
The Parliament’s task was drafting the Constitution. Representatives from each party, except the Basques, were chosen. The Constitution, adopted by referendum on December 6, 1978, defined Spain as a democratic welfare state, a parliamentary monarchy, and a secular state. It abolished the death penalty and established fundamental rights and freedoms.
Autonomy and Economic Crisis
The Constitution granted autonomy to Catalonia in 1977, the Basque Country in January 1978, and Galicia in March 1978.
The international oil crisis caused inflation and a trade deficit. The energy crisis led to an industrial crisis, affecting consumer goods, steel, shipbuilding, and transport equipment. The major parties signed the Moncloa Pacts to address the crisis, reducing wage inflation, streamlining energy, and devaluing the peseta. Fiscal and Social Security reforms were also undertaken.