Spain’s Transition to Democracy: From Franco to PSOE
Spain’s Transition to Democracy: 1975-1982
The Spanish transition began in November 1975 with the proclamation of Juan Carlos I as king and head of state, marking the restoration of the Bourbons and the start of institutional transformations from the dictatorship. It concluded in 1982 with the PSOE’s arrival to power, a historic pre-civil war party, achieving the largest electoral victory known and consolidating democracy in Spain. This period was characterized by:
- A controlled evolution from the Franco regime to democracy.
- An example of societal change and maturity in the seventies.
- Agreements between former Franco leaders and the opposition, integrating them into the system in exchange for moderating their agendas.
- Popular mobilization influencing substantial changes.
Manuel Aragon noted that political change involved planning four aspects: the goal (democracy), the procedure (existing law, the Law for Political Reform), the legal instrument, and the leader (Adolfo Suarez).
Political Factions and Key Players
Post-Franco politicians were divided:
- Inmovilistas (the “bunker”): wanting Francoism without Franco.
- Openings: those who saw the regime’s unsustainability after Franco’s death.
In Catalonia, opposition groups emerged, including the nationalist right’s Democratic Convergence of Catalonia led by Jordi Pujol. The Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) rejected violence but didn’t condemn ETA’s attacks.
Opposition groups included:
- Moderate: monarchists, Christian Democrats, and Liberals.
- Radical: traditional left parties like PSOE and PCE.
By 1974, PSOE, led by Felipe Gonzalez, gained influence in universities, neighborhoods, professional groups, and through CCOO (Workers’ Commissions) in media. Other groups included PSP, PTE, and ORT. CCOO was a decisive trade union force, with UGT regaining influence.
Attempts at Unity and Early Government Actions
Two attempts to unite the opposition occurred: the Democratic Board (PCE-led) and the Socialist Platform of the Democratic Convergence. On November 22, 1975, Juan Carlos I became king, promising an open future. Carlos Arias Navarro was confirmed as president. The first government included reformists like Manuel Fraga, Jose Maria de Areilza, and Alfonso Osorio. The king appointed Torcuato Fernandez Miranda as President of the Parliament. The government prepared reforms gradually, while the democratic opposition advocated for a complete break.
Arias Navarro’s government faced challenges due to his Francoist background, hindering progress on amnesty, autonomy, elections, and freedoms. Popular mobilizations intensified in early 1976, with strikes and demonstrations across Spain. ETA resumed its terrorist campaign.
Suarez’s Government and the Path to Democracy
The opposition formed the “Democratic Coordination” or “Platajunta” after the Vitoria clashes in March 1976. Arias Navarro resigned, and Adolfo Suárez formed a new government with a clear program: a Political Reform Act and democratic elections in June 1977. The Law for Political Reform was key, approved by the Francoist Cortes and a referendum, paving the way for a parliamentary democracy. Suárez took measures to gain credibility: partial political amnesty, contacts with opposition leaders, dissolution of the Public Order Court, regulation of political association, legalization of strikes, and an electoral act.
Terrorism, particularly from ETA and far-right groups, remained a significant issue. The legalization of the PCE in April 1977 caused military resignations and protests, but the PCE renounced the republican flag and accepted the monarchy. Major parties formed: Alianza Popular, Democratic Center Union (UCD), PSOE, and PCE, along with nationalist parties in the Basque Country and Catalonia.
The First Democratic Elections and the Constitution
The first democratic elections since 1936 were held on June 15, 1977. UCD, led by Suárez, won but lacked an absolute majority. The Moncloa Pacts, signed in October 1977, were a major economic agreement to stabilize industrial relations and neutralize social conflict. The Constitution was adopted by referendum on December 6 and promulgated on March 29, establishing Spain as a “social and democratic state of law” under a parliamentary monarchy.
Between 1979 and 1982, new elections were held, with UCD winning again but in a minority. Regional and municipal elections took place, and significant legislation like the Workers’ Statute and the Law of Divorce was passed. Spain joined NATO, facing opposition from the left. PSOE abandoned Marxism, and AP strengthened. Adolfo Suárez resigned in January 1981 due to internal party pressures.
A coup attempt on February 23, 1981, led by Lt. Col. Antonio Tejero Molina, failed due to lack of military support and the king’s opposition. The subsequent government under Calvo Sotelo focused on restoring democratic normality. The October 1982 general elections marked the end of the transition, with PSOE winning a landslide victory and an absolute majority. This victory signified the culmination of the democratic process and the return of the historical left to power after over forty years, concluding Spain’s transition to democracy.