Spain’s Democratic Shift After Franco’s Era
Spain’s Transition to Democracy: 1975-1982
The Dawn of a New Era
After Franco’s death in 1975, Spain embarked on a crucial political transition to establish a democratic system. This period saw the adoption of the Constitution of 1978 and accelerated Spain’s integration into Europe. Juan Carlos de Borbón was proclaimed King of Spain on November 22, 1975. Initially, Arias Navarro continued as chairman of a government that maintained an immobilist policy, unable to carry out democratization. Consequently, Arias resigned in 1976 and was replaced by Adolfo Suárez.
The Political Reform Act
Suárez spearheaded the Political Reform Act, which advocated for democracy and popular sovereignty in Spain. It proposed replacing the Francoist Cortes with a Congress of Deputies and a Senate. Its implementation was a challenging process, facing resistance from the core of the Franco regime. The Act was ultimately approved by referendum in December 1976. Moreover, Spain, in 1975, entered the global economic crisis that began in 1973, caused by an excessive increase in oil prices.
The First Democratic Elections
In 1977, following the legalization of most political parties, the first democratic elections were organized. These elections were won by the new party, the Union of Democratic Center (UCD), led by Suárez, which included Franco reformers. Following the UCD were the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), the Communist Party of Spain (PCE), and the People’s Alliance (PA). In Catalonia, the Catalan Socialists won. At the same time, the Parliamentary Assembly of Catalonia demanded the restoration of the Generalitat of Catalonia. In September of the same year, Josep Tarradellas, President of the Generalitat in exile, returned to Catalonia, and a month later, he was appointed Chairman of the Provisional Government. Josep Tarradellas formed a unity government of all parties.
The 1978 Constitution and the Rise of Autonomy
Parliament approved the new constitution in December 1978. It was the first time a constitution was drafted by consensus in Spain. In March 1979, new elections were held, with the UCD emerging victorious. The new government had to face the economic crisis, approving the Workers’ Statute (1979), as well as increased activities of the terrorist group ETA. The same year, the first municipal elections since 1931 were held. In October 1979, the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia (or Sau Statute) was approved in a referendum and later ratified by Parliament. It granted the Catalan Government wide powers in education, health, public works, planning, language policy, and culture. The same year, the Statute of Autonomy of the Basque Country was adopted, and later, the autonomic process was generalized, culminating in the creation of 17 autonomous communities.
Catalonia’s First Regional Elections and the 1981 Coup Attempt
On March 20, 1980, the first regional elections were held for the Parliament of Catalonia. These elections represented the triumph of Convergence and Union (CiU), led by Jordi Pujol, who was elected President of the Generalitat. In January 1981, Suárez resigned. A month later, on February 23, Lieutenant Colonel of the Guardia Civil Antonio Tejero attempted a military coup with the aim of destroying democracy while the election for the new Prime Minister, Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo, was being voted on. The captain general of Valencia pulled the army out onto the streets. The intervention of King Juan Carlos in favor of the Constitution and the loyalty of the other captains general made the coup unsuccessful.
The 1982 Elections and the Socialist Victory
The legislative elections in October 1982 resulted in an absolute majority for the PSOE, led by Felipe González. The Socialist victory marked the definitive abolition of the Francoist regime and the beginning of many years of reforms.