Spain’s Transition to Democracy: Arias to Suárez
Arias Navarro’s government faced significant challenges, including constant strikes by workers in construction, metal, post offices, public transportation, and banking. The most violent of these occurred in Vitoria in March 1976, resulting in 5 deaths and dozens of injuries. The rise of terrorism by ETA and GRAPO, public order issues due to street protests by the opposition, and the events of Montejurra in May 1976, which involved clashes between the two branches of the Carlist movement, further destabilized the government. The opposition united in the Democratic Coordination, known as Platajunta, which included the Democratic Junta around the PCE and the Platform of Democratic Convergence around the PSOE, advocating for a democratic transition. On June 30, 1976, the Arias Navarro government, unable to manage the situation or engage in dialogue with the opposition, was forced to resign. Two days later, King Juan Carlos appointed Adolfo Suárez as Prime Minister. Suárez, a member of the last generation of the Franco regime, connected with reformists within the Movement and aligned with the Crown’s objectives. However, for many, this choice was considered a “grave mistake.”
Democratic Reform
Doubts surrounding Suárez’s appointment prompted him to quickly present a program outlining his political objectives, emphasizing democratization. This program was based on two key points:
- Drafting a law on political reform, which, once approved by the Cortes and the Spanish people, would initiate a constitutional process to implement a democratic system.
- Calling for democratic elections to choose a Cortes responsible for drafting a new democratic constitution.
The task was arduous, requiring convincing the opposition to participate and ensuring the military did not disrupt the process. Controlling the situation in the Basque Country, which was becoming increasingly volatile, was also crucial.
Nevertheless, Suárez’s plan was implemented between September 1976 and June 1977, with the adoption of the following measures:
- In July 1976, the Cortes approved reforms to the Criminal Code, allowing the legalization of political parties except those that “subject to international discipline intend to establish a totalitarian regime.”
- Also in July, the Government’s programmatic statement was published, advocating for popular sovereignty, a democratic regime, and respect for liberties.
- An amnesty was passed, releasing many political prisoners, but excluding those convicted of terrorism.
- At the end of the year, the Public Order Court, responsible for police repression since 1963, was suppressed.
While meeting the conditions demanded by opposition groups, Suárez initiated contact with their leaders, including Santiago Carrillo, leader of the PCE, whose legalization was uncertain. He also appointed General Gutiérrez Mellado, a liberal military figure, as Minister of Defense, tasking him with reforming the armed forces.
However, the key moment came with the Act for Political Reform (LRP), written by Torcuato Fernández-Miranda, which initiated the legal process of transition towards democracy, departing from Francoist institutions. It was necessary for the Francoist Cortes to adopt the law, but also to gain the support of the opposition. Following approval in the Parliament, the government sought to legitimize the new law through a referendum held on December 15. Despite the opposition’s call for abstention, the result was an overwhelming majority in favor (94%). From that moment on, reform would proceed through legal means.