Spain’s Transition to Democracy and EU Integration
Spain’s Political Transition
Following Franco’s death, Spain faced four options: maintain the existing system, a complete break, a rupture, or a negotiated reform. The reform involved a shift of power, with Torcuato Fernández appointed Chairman of the Courts, Adolfo Arias Navarro as Suarez’s military deputy. Parliament approved the Political Reform Act, leading to the legalization of political parties (around 150) and the 1977 general election. The election solidified the UCD and PSOE as major parties. Media censorship ended, but the transition was challenged by right-wing attacks on the press. The GRAPO kidnapped Antonio María de Oriol and General Villaescusa, and a 1979 cafeteria bombing killed eight people. The 1978 constitution was approved, followed by the 1979 general elections, which confirmed the UCD, PSOE, and PCE as leading parties. In 1981, Tejero’s attempted coup during Suarez’s inauguration as President of Congress failed.
The 1978 Constitution
The 1978 general election saw reformist parties victorious. Adolfo Suarez formed a new government, relying on other parties for certain issues. The constitution established Spain as a social and democratic state, upholding liberty, justice, political pluralism, and equality. It recognized individual rights and freedoms, created the Ombudsman position, and defined the roles of the King, legislative bodies (Congress and Senate), and the executive branch (Council of Ministers). The Constitutional Court ensured the constitutionality of laws and resolved conflicts between autonomous communities and state regulations. Spain transitioned from a centralized state to a pre-autonomic one, with Basque and Catalan statutes approved in 1979. Currently, Spain has 17 autonomous regions and two autonomous cities (Ceuta and Melilla), with a compensation fund to address interregional imbalances.
Democratic Governments and European Integration
In 1982, the PSOE, led by Felipe Gonzalez, won the election. The UCD dissolved, and the AP became the PP, led by Aznar. The PCE declined and formed United Left in 1986.
1. The Socialist Era
The Socialists held power for four legislatures, compromising with nationalist parties. They addressed the economic crisis and prepared Spain for entry into the European Community. Economic adjustments, including industrial restructuring, reduced inflation but not unemployment. Wage restraint and job instability led to general strikes. Socialist reforms expanded public services and social benefits, and a public works program developed highways and the AVE. In 1986, a referendum confirmed Spain’s NATO membership. Reforms included enabling the army and diplomatic cooperation with France against terrorism, aiming for ETA’s renunciation of violence. Agreements like the Pact of Madrid and the Ajuria Enea Pact addressed terrorism. Laws on abortion, education, and private TV channels completed social reforms. From 1991, the PSOE faced scandals involving party funding, influence peddling, and police complicity with the GAL.
2. Governments of the Popular Party
In 1996, the PP won a relative majority, needing nationalist party support. They continued social policies, but also implemented neoliberal policies, reducing public spending to benefit private businesses. Relations with the Basque National Party deteriorated. Spain had the EU’s highest employment rate. In 2000, the PP won an absolute majority. Aznar’s government pursued reforms in education and employment, causing social unrest. ETA targeted PP council members. Foreign policy focused on closer ties with the U.S., and Aznar supported the Iraq War.
3. The Return of the PSOE
The 2004 elections saw the PP win a relative majority. Rajoy and Zapatero were presidential candidates. Key issues included Spain’s involvement in Iraq, the tripartite pact in Catalonia, Carod Rovira’s meeting with ETA leaders, and the 3/11 Madrid bombings. The PSOE, with support from IU and ERC, formed the government. Key actions included withdrawing troops from Iraq, repealing the national water plan, distancing from the U.S., aligning with the Franco-German axis, joining the “Alliance of Civilizations,” and reforming autonomy statutes.
Spain and the Western European Union
Spain’s incorporation into the WEU, a logical step after integration into Western Europe, was mentioned in 1984. In 1988, the WEU invited Spain and Portugal to negotiate accession to the modified Brussels Treaty. The Spanish government believed a revitalized WEU would complement the Single European Act and strengthen NATO’s European pillar. Spain’s WEU accession aligned with its peace and security policy and the referendum on NATO membership. Negotiations began in May 1988, with full integration in November. This rapid incorporation demonstrated Europe’s recognition of Spain’s commitment to European defense.
Economic Developments Since the Transition
While necessary changes brought positive developments, a focus on profit led to a culture of corruption.