Late Francoism (1962-1975): Transformation and Decline of a Regime
Late Francoism (1962-1975): Transformation and Decline
1. Technocrats, Opus Dei, and Economic Liberalization
This era saw the rise of government technocrats and the peak influence of Opus Dei. Significant economic development and a liberalization of customs occurred, largely driven by tourism. However, a stark divide persisted between the ruling elite and a deeply reactionary society.
2. Seeds of Openness (1966-1967)
The 1966 Press Law signaled a degree of openness by eliminating ideological censorship. The 1967 Religious Freedom Act allowed for the practice of other faiths. Foreign tourists and migrants introduced new customs and contributed to the influx of hard currency.
3. Economic Crisis and Stabilization (1962-1959)
The Asturian miners’ strike of 1962, sparked by wage disparities and rapid economic growth, triggered a government crisis. Stabilization plans initiated in 1959 proved successful, exceeding their objectives due to favorable international conditions.
4. Political Maneuvering and Adaptation (1966-1967)
The Organic Law of the State was promulgated in 1967, and a referendum in 1966 confirmed the regime’s continuity and the law of succession. Manuel Fraga Iribarne, a moderate Falangist, joined the government, marking a decline in Opus Dei’s influence. The regime’s focus shifted towards adapting to changing times and joining the European Economic Community.
5. Opus Dei, Scandals, and Government Crisis (1968-1969)
In 1968, Juan Carlos was named Prince and successor to Franco. Opus Dei continued to dominate the technocratic government, causing friction with the Falange. The Matesa scandal of 1969, involving government members and likely fueled by the Falange, exposed ongoing corruption. This led to a government crisis, ousting Opus Dei members but also weakening the Falangists. A new, homogenous government formed under Carrero Blanco, comprised entirely of Opus Dei members, marking the peak of their power.
6. Repression and Resistance (1970-1975)
Despite economic and social liberalization, the regime remained ideologically rigid. Political prisoners filled jails, and death sentences continued. The Burgos Trial of 1970, involving ETA members accused of murdering civilians, drew international pressure, leading Franco to grant a pardon. However, in 1975, shortly before Franco’s death, two ETA members and three FRAP members were executed.
7. Carrero Blanco’s Assassination and Arias Navarro’s Rise (1973)
In 1973, Luis Carrero Blanco became Prime Minister, the first time since the Civil War that Franco didn’t hold the position. His assassination by ETA months later didn’t alter the regime’s trajectory but signaled its decline. Carlos Arias Navarro, a Falangist, replaced him and began removing Opus Dei ministers.
8. Economic Crisis and the Green March (1973-1975)
The oil crisis of 1973 triggered an economic downturn in Spain, halting migration. Morocco’s Green March on the Spanish Sahara in 1975 forced Spain’s withdrawal, marking the loss of its last colony. The UN called for a peaceful resolution, and the Sahara was divided between Morocco and Mauritania, despite Spain’s promise of a Saharawi independence referendum.
9. Franco’s Death and the Transition to Democracy (1975-1979)
Franco died on November 20, 1975, and Juan Carlos I ascended to the throne. He initiated democratic reforms, replacing Arias Navarro with Adolfo Suárez González, a moderate Falangist tasked with dismantling the regime. Political parties were gradually legalized, culminating in the legalization of the Communist Party on April 9, 1977. The first free parliamentary elections were held on June 15, 1977. A new democratic constitution was approved on December 6, 1978, and the first municipal elections under the new constitution took place on April 19, 1979, marking the end of the Franco regime.