Spain’s Political and Social Evolution
Voters
Who elects the government?
The Congress of Deputies and the Senate are elected by voters. The Cortes Generales, regional governments, central government, President, Council of Ministers, the Supreme Court, and ordinary courts are indirectly elected.
First Government: UCD
Early Years (1970s)
The early years were marked by a policy of consensus. Reforms were undertaken through agreements between different political forces.
Urgent Measures:
- Drafting a new constitution.
- Addressing the economic crisis with the Moncloa Pacts, which included fiscal reforms.
- Increasing state contributions to social security.
- Implementing tax reform based on income and property.
- Decreeing a second amnesty for political prisoners.
1978: The Constitution
- Defines Spain as a democratic and social state under a parliamentary monarchy.
- Recognizes autonomous communities.
- Declares sovereignty resides in the people and guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms.
- Establishes equality before the law and a welfare state.
- Defines the separation of powers: legislative (Congress and Senate), executive (government), and judicial (courts).
Spain’s Autonomies
The Constitution recognizes the existence of different nationalities with the right to self-government, leading to the creation of a “state of autonomies”.
Seventeen autonomous communities were established, each with its own Statute of Autonomy, Parliament, and government.
1981: Coup Attempt and Aftermath
Following the decline of the UCD, socialists promoted a motion of censure against Prime Minister Suarez, who resigned and was replaced by Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo.
On February 23rd, a coup d’état took place. Colonel Tejero and a group of Guardia Civil occupied the Congress and held the government hostage.
The goal was to establish a government that would restrict democracy, halt the autonomy process, and revise the Constitution.
The coup failed due to King Juan Carlos’s support for democracy, opposition from some military units, and the unity of democratic political forces.
Following the coup, the divorce law and the LOAPA (Organic Law of Harmonization of the Autonomy Process) were approved, and Spain applied for NATO membership.
Government of UCD: Decline and Challenges
The end of parliamentary consensus was marked by growing difficulties in governing.
Economic difficulties stemmed from the crisis (unemployment, inflation) and increased labor unrest.
Political problems included: rivalry within the UCD, isolation of President Suarez, parliamentary opposition from the socialists, and the rise of terrorism.
Social Spending
Evolution of Social Spending
Spain’s social spending has increased over the years. The main areas of expenditure are pensions, unemployment benefits, social services, health, education, and housing. Pensions receive the largest share of funding.
Socialist Governments (1982-1996)
Challenges and Scandals
The Socialist governments faced economic and political scandals, including cases of corruption related to party financing, illicit enrichment, and influence peddling.
There were also cases of police complicity in the “dirty war” against ETA.
The Popular Party (PP) emerged as a strong parliamentary opposition to Felipe Gonzalez’s government.
Governments of the PP (1996-2004)
Policies and Events
The PP governed as a minority from 1996 and achieved an absolute majority in 2000.
The PP maintained the welfare state, initiated dialogue with unions and nationalist parties, and promoted the elimination of compulsory military service.
In international politics, the government focused on Spain’s integration into the Euro and Europe.
Relations with nationalist parties worsened, leading to an increase in terrorist actions.
The PP majority government implemented labor and educational reforms and intensified the fight against terrorism.
The favorable economic situation helped reduce inflation and consolidate the government.
On March 11, 2004, Islamist terrorist attacks in Madrid killed 191 people.
Zapatero’s Government (2004-2011)
Key Policies and Events
- Withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq.
- Peace process in the Basque Country, leading to an indefinite ETA ceasefire.
- Promotion of the Gay Marriage Law and the Gender Equality Law.
- Re-election in March 2008.
The Welfare State
Recent Developments
In the last two decades, Spain has experienced significant improvements in living conditions, with an increase in gross national income, placing it among the 15 richest countries in the world.
Other achievements include: universal education until the age of 16, universal healthcare, an unemployment benefit system, and widespread pension coverage.
Women and the Family
Women’s Integration
Women’s incorporation into public life (work, social life, politics) has been supported by the Constitution, which enshrines the principle of equality and prohibits discrimination based on sex.
Family Changes
Significant changes have occurred in family structure, including the growth of single-parent families, adoptions, recognition of de facto couples, and same-sex marriage.
Divorce laws have been reformed, and a law on abortion has been enacted.
Spain in Recent Decades
Demographic Trends
Spain has experienced a decline in the fertility rate (1.3% in 2005), a delay in the age of reproduction, and a decrease in the number of children per family.
As a result, population growth is very low, and there is a trend towards an aging population.
In recent years, there has been a small rebound in the birth rate.
The integration of women into the workforce has contributed to the decrease in the number of children per family.