Spain’s Transition to Democracy: 1975-1977
Democratic Spain: 1975-1977
After the death of Carrero Blanco, Carlos Arias Navarro was named president. Two years after Franco died, and two days later, Juan Carlos became king of Spain.
1. The Political Transition
A) The Government of Carlos Arias Navarro:
He was the last prime minister of the dictatorship and the first of the Monarchy. His government was composed of men of the regime, but many wanted a change towards liberalization. The democratic transition would take place from Francoist institutions and by persons closely related to the previous regime. The king would become essential to its cancellation.
B) Social and Political Pressure for Democratization:
Since the 1973 oil crisis, the Spanish economy had been in difficulties. Inflation rose, businesses closed, and unemployment increased. There were strikes, demonstrations, and general unrest. Society reacted and put pressure on the government. Student and labor protests intensified. In the Basque Country, there was violent struggle because it also requested recognition as a nationality, and ETA raged with great force. Catalonia also asserted nationalist claims.
C) The First Reform Proposal:
The opposition initially formed the Democratic Board (1974), which included the more radical communists. The Democratic Convergence Platform (1975) was also formed by Socialists, the Christian Left, and liberals. In 1976, they joined forces. Their aim was to form an interim government and call for a Constituent Cortes (Parliament) so these institutions could decide Spain’s future. Arias Navarro was unable to make reforms due to his ties to Francoism. He attempted to carry out a conventional and organic democracy but resigned in July.
D) The Appointment of Adolfo Suarez:
Social pressure demanded reforms. After Navarro resigned, the king appointed Adolfo Suarez as President. Suarez was a supporter of democratic reform and also had the initial confidence of the regime because he had been part of the Movement. An announcement was made calling for a referendum to decide on reform of the regime, and if approved, free elections would be convened.
E) The First Measures of Reform:
The opposition called for these reforms to be made. Membership in political parties was decriminalized, and an amnesty was granted for political crimes other than those involving bloodshed. Suarez had to get the opposition to accept his plan and convince the high command of the army of the need for reform, for which he was helped by the king. In September, the Government published its draft bill for political reform. It created a clean break from Francoism and announced the calling of elections by universal suffrage.
2. Key Issues Before the Constitution
Before the approval of the Constitution, three issues had to be resolved:
a) King Juan Carlos:
Juan Carlos had been appointed king in exceptional circumstances by Franco, who skipped the rules of succession. He had to resolve the problem with the royal heir. In 1977, Juan (Juan Carlos’s father) gave his son the rights of succession.
b) The Electoral System:
Organic democracy was replaced by popular sovereignty and universal suffrage. It was established that two chambers would be formed: the Congress of Deputies (350 members) and the Senate (254 members). In March, the arrangements for holding the first democratic elections were approved, which were endorsed in their entirety and remain in force today. Each province is assigned a number of deputies in proportion to its population, with a minimum of two for each province, in addition to Ceuta and Melilla having one each. Nominations are presented in closed lists, and voters are forced to vote for one list or another. For the Senate, there are 4 senators for every province except in the islands, Ceuta, and Melilla. Voters may vote for a maximum of three candidates.
c) Political Parties:
A provision was approved to legalize political parties. It passed in 1976, and parties sought adhesion. The Communist Party had problems but was eventually legalized in 1977. The undemocratic right was fragmented. The democratic right coalesced around Fraga and his party, Alianza Popular. The Center was represented by Christian Democrats, Social Democrats, Liberals, and regional parties led by Suarez. The left included the PSOE and the PCE. The PSOE initially had revolutionary posturing but adopted a moderate line. Their leader was Felipe González. The PCE was willing to abandon some revolutionary posturing so as not to be excluded from the democratic regime. There were also nationalists: Democratic Convergence of Catalonia and the PNV (Basque Nationalist Party). The Basque Country was demanding independence, and terrorism was a significant issue. Elections were held in June 1977, and the Center (UCD) and the PSOE were the victors.