Juan Carlos I: Spain’s Transition to Democracy After Franco
The Text Message From The Crown
Introduction
This institutional text reflects a historical political character, a fragment of the speech given on November 22, 1975, the day Juan Carlos de Borbón was proclaimed King of Spain, addressing those who still adhered to Franco’s ideals. The Cortes (Parliament) under Franco had ceased to exist two days prior. Legislation dictated that after Franco, there would be a continuity of the monarchy, based on the ideals and institutions of the previous dictatorship. However, the monarchy of King Juan Carlos would be a constitutional and parliamentary one. After Franco, Spain would embrace democracy.
Evidently, the restoration of the king’s institutional discourse was the first step in a new era for Spain, where the Crown would play a vital role in the country’s political future.
Main Idea
The main idea emerging from the text is the will of the Spanish monarchy under Juan Carlos I to guarantee consensus among all Spaniards and establish an equitable and legal regime in line with European parliamentary monarchies, respectful of Spanish regions.
Commentary: The Transition to Democracy
Introduction
Following Franco’s death, Spain faced two choices: maintain the existing system or establish a democratic one. Maintaining the Franco regime was impossible, opposed by most Spaniards and against the trend in Europe. Transitioning from an authoritarian regime was not easy. The Spanish people, accepting the reformist option proposed by the King and President Suárez, initiated a peaceful democratic reform.
Consolidating democracy required addressing economic problems stemming from the crises of 1973 and 1979. Initially, international politics were almost nonexistent. However, the transition was consolidated after Spain’s return to democracy, with major political organizations integrating into their environment (NATO and the EEC), breaking the isolation of the previous crisis.
Causes of the Franco Regime’s Crisis
It was clear that the political system could not sustain itself after Franco’s death. The most significant political forces and the majority of the population called for change, even the legal standards governing the Franco regime made it possible. The causes of the Franco regime’s crisis were:
- Institutional: According to the Organic Law of the State, the ex-dictator had “supreme power to enact rules of law and government functions.” These functions had to move to the Spanish parliament and the head of government. Franco was constitutional, subject to the laws.
- Political: The king did not want continuity, and Carrero Blanco, a possible continuation of the dictatorship, disappeared.
- Socioeconomic: In 1975, Spain was the tenth industrial power. Foreign tourism was the main source of foreign exchange, demanding a new policy. Just as economic underdevelopment had been left behind, it was necessary to leave political underdevelopment behind.
- External: The fall of the regime in Portugal in 1974, the pressure from the European Community, the USA, and Vatican II hampered the survival of the Franco regime without Franco.
Political Options
After Franco’s death, four political alternatives presented themselves: the continuation of the Francoist system, a sudden rupture and disappearance of the system, a rupture agreed upon with the powers, and self-reform within Francoist legality. The Democratic Opposition, which had joined the Democratic Convergence Platform, preferred a rupture agreed upon with the powers. A minority of senior figures of the regime, headed by the king, sought reform. The president was soon under pressure from the bunker, leaning slightly towards immobility.