Spain’s Transition to Democracy: 1975-2000
The Death of Franco and the Monarchy of Juan Carlos I
This period begins with the monarchy of Juan Carlos de Borbón. At first, it was hoped that the Franco dictatorship would continue, but the democratic opposition pressed to bring democracy with political freedoms to Spain. In January 1976, the country was affected by waves of strikes in various domestic points. In March, the tension rose after three months of strikes; three workers were killed by the police, and the funeral led to massive unrest. The democratic opposition formed the Democratic Coordination in March. The Franco regime was opposed to any reform. In March 1976, two sectors faced off in Montejurra, resulting in the death of a second Carlist. King Juan Carlos I considered Carlos Arias Navarro’s government a disaster. In July 1976, he appointed Adolfo Suárez as Prime Minister. In July, an amnesty decree was issued for prisoners who had not committed political crimes. On December 15, a referendum on the law for political reform was approved by an absolute majority, against which the extreme right manifested.
The Government’s Difficulties and the Path to Democracy
The government’s difficulties were enormous: the ultra-right opposed the demolition of Franco’s regime, while the left wanted reforms and pushed for the legalization of the Communist Party. This period saw bombings, kidnappings, killings, and serious injuries. However, by February 1977, the country regained tranquility. Elections were announced for June, and the Communist Party was legalized. In 1978, democratic elections were welcomed, and a constitution was drawn up and approved on December 6, 1978. The King lost the legislative and executive powers that Franco had given him, becoming head of state and head of the armed forces. The new election system further comprised the Spanish state by autocracies with their respective statutes of autonomy. Autonomy began to be granted to the Basque Country and Catalonia, followed by the remaining 15, totaling 17.
ETA’s Terrorist Activity and the 23-F Coup Attempt
ETA continued its terrorist activity against the police, civil guard, and army, which raised the ire of sections of the army. This led to an attempted coup d’état on February 23, 1981 (23-F), when the parliament was stormed during the swearing-in of the new President, Leopoldo Calvo. The coup failed.
The PSOE’s Governance and Economic Reforms
In the elections of October 1982, the PSOE won an absolute majority, becoming the first left-wing party to govern alone. They implemented major industrial reforms needed to modernize the industry and reduce its competitive edge. This conversion led to many workers becoming unemployed, but it proved to be positive in the long run. The PSOE also approved the divorce law and Spain entered the EEC in 1986, while also joining NATO, despite the PSOE’s initial opposition. Economic expectations were created after 1985, and the PSOE ruled until 1996, a total of 14 years, with Felipe González as Prime Minister.
Corruption Scandals and the PP’s Victory
In recent years, accusations of corruption and the dirty war carried out by the GAL (a police organization) emerged. The GAL killed 27 people linked to ETA. In 1996, the PP won the elections with José María Aznar.
Key Events Before Franco’s Death
- 1969: ETA committed its first murder. The Burgos trial against 16 ETA militants took place the following year, with six of them receiving death sentences, later commuted due to popular and international pressure. In recent years, there was a separation between church and state, with the church apologizing for its role in the Civil War. Priests were imprisoned for opposing the King.
- 1970: The 1001 Process was held against 10 trade union and worker leaders. 1970 saw great labor unrest, with 1,600 strikes. Despite this, Spain experienced significant economic expansion, becoming the 10th largest industrial producer.
- 1973: Carrero Blanco, Franco’s designated head of government, was assassinated by ETA, delivering a blow to the dictator. Franco, suffering from Parkinson’s disease, died on November 20, 1975, after a slow agony.