Spain’s Democratic Transition (1979-2000): From UCD to Socialist Rule
Spain’s Democratic Transition (1979-2000)
From UCD to Socialist Rule
1. First Constitutional Government (1979)
Following the approval of the constitution, the Constituent Cortes was dissolved, and general elections were called for March 1979. The Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD), led by Adolfo Suarez, won the elections, but a significant abstention rate (32%) reflected public discontent over the government’s handling of pressing issues:
- In the April 1979 municipal elections, while the UCD remained the largest party, left-leaning parties gained control of major municipalities, creating a political divide.
- Internal divisions and criticism of Suarez’s leadership weakened the UCD.
- Economic crisis and terrorism further destabilized the political landscape.
These factors led Socialist leader Felipe Gonzalez to submit a censure motion against Suarez in May. Although the motion failed, it damaged the UCD’s image and boosted Gonzalez’s prestige. Suarez subsequently resigned.
On February 23, during the Congressional vote for Suarez’s successor (Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo), a group of Civil Guards led by Antonio Tejero attempted a coup. The coup was largely unsuccessful, due to lack of support and the King’s firm televised call for military discipline and loyalty to democracy. The coup’s failure solidified Spain’s commitment to democracy.
2. The Calvo Sotelo Government
On February 26, Calvo Sotelo was appointed Prime Minister. His government pursued Spain’s entry into NATO, despite opposition from the PSOE and other left-leaning parties. Domestically, Calvo Sotelo focused on economic recovery and enacted laws against terrorism and for divorce. However, the UCD’s internal crisis continued, fueled by scandals, military conspiracies, and internal divisions. Throughout 1982, the UCD’s decline accelerated, leading to Calvo Sotelo’s resignation. He was replaced by Landelino Lavilla, while Suarez left the UCD to found the Democratic and Social Centre party. New elections were called for October 1982.
Despite the tension caused by ETA’s terrorism, the elections proceeded as planned. On October 28, 1982, the Socialist Party (PSOE) won an absolute majority, marking their first time in power in Spain.
The Socialist Government (1982-1996)
After the 1982 elections, Felipe Gonzalez became Spain’s first socialist Prime Minister. The PSOE maintained power through subsequent elections in 1986 and 1989 (with absolute majorities) and 1993 (with a relative majority, requiring agreements with nationalist parties). Key figures in Gonzalez’s administration included:
- Alfonso Guerra: Vice President until 1990.
- Narcis Serra: Defense Minister, who modernized the army.
- Javier Solana: Appointed NATO Secretary General in 1995.
Key Policies and Events
- Economic Policy: To combat the economic crisis, the government implemented measures to reduce inflation, encourage private investment, and restructure industries. However, this restructuring led to job losses and labor disputes.
- Education Reform: The government enacted several laws to reform education, including the LRU (university reform), LODE (right to education), and LOGSE (general education), extending compulsory education to age 16.
- Legislative Changes: Reforms were made to criminal procedure, asylum rights, and the Penal Code. A law on abortion in three specific cases was passed, generating controversy.
- Anti-Terrorism Policy: France’s shift in attitude towards ETA aided Spanish security forces and extraditions. However, the emergence of the GAL (Anti-Terrorist Liberation Groups), implicated in a dirty war against ETA, damaged the government’s credibility.
- Development of Autonomous Regions: By 1981, only five statutes of autonomy had been approved. Between 1982 and 1983, the remaining twelve were established, with Ceuta and Melilla’s statutes coming into force in 1995.