Spain’s Transition to Democracy: Key Events and Challenges
Spanish Transition to Democracy
The Franco regime faced a crisis before Franco’s death, but the transition was only possible after his demise. Several factors contributed to the positive outcome: economic and social development, the legitimate monarchy inherited from the previous regime, and the collaboration of a significant political part of the former regime.
The New Monarchy
From Europe to Spain, Juan Carlos supported democratization. Eminent public figures played a crucial role, such as Cardinal Tarancón. The new king was identified with a liberal historical tradition, unlike his father. The process faced difficulties. Carlos Arias Navarro, the first Prime Minister, saw the King push for a more liberal government. Torcuato Fernández, President of the Cortes, also played a decisive role.
Arias Navarro’s term was marked by disorientation and minimal reforms. The opposition presented the greatest challenges, with social unrest, an explosion in Vitoria, and fighting in Montejurra, compounded by an economic crisis. The opposition benefited from the environment for change. In 1976, the first public acts of the opposition took place, seeking change through agreement with those in power. By summer 1976, the government was disjointed, leading the King to intervene and request Arias Navarro’s resignation, marking the last chance for the regime’s survival.
Political Reform
Adolfo Suarez, a young and unknown figure, along with his team of young ministers (only one from Franco’s era), became essential for political change. The Suarez government quickly brought significant changes, adapting to social reality, reforming institutions, and demonstrating a willingness to dialogue and support national sovereignty.
In September, the Political Reform Act was written, calling for elections for the Senate and Congress by universal suffrage to draft a new constitution. A referendum on September 15, 1976, overwhelmingly approved the bill, despite Spain’s economic crisis with high inflation and unemployment. The government avoided confrontation with the economic crisis to focus on political issues.
Fears of a military coup arose. The GRAPO terrorist group kidnapped the president of the State Council and a General. Communist lawyers were killed by the extreme right. The government reacted calmly but couldn’t curb ETA terrorism. Another key moment was the legalization of the Communist Party in April 1977, which led to the resignation of the Minister of Marine.
General Elections of 1977
The general elections in June 1977 marked the final process of political reform. The Democratic Center Union (UCD), led by Minister Fraga Franco, represented a right-leaning stance. The Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) showed dynamism, and the Communist Party (PC) emerged from recent legalization. UCD won with 165 seats, followed by PSOE with 118, PC with 20, and AL with 16.
Towards the Constitution
In November 1977, a law was passed establishing government accountability to parliament. UCD, being a coalition, faced the challenge of building support. Suarez’s allies occupied key positions. Nationalist claims were strong. Suarez met with Tarradellas to grant Catalonia a statute of autonomy and restore regional governance. In October 1977, amnesty was extended to include terrorist crimes, but ETA continued its violence.
Statutes of Autonomy were extended to other regions. The Moncloa Pacts addressed the poor economic situation, allowing focus on political tasks. Measures included devaluation of the peseta, tax reform, and an austerity plan. Civil unrest continued, with ETA and the extreme right threatening democratization. In November 1978, the first major demonstration against terrorism took place.
The Constitution was drafted and adopted in July 1978 by the Congress of Deputies, voted in October, and ratified by referendum in December. It consists of 169 articles in 11 titles, addressing rights and freedoms, defining Spain as a Social Democratic State of Law. Disagreements arose over the death penalty, abortion, and education. The monarchy’s role is moral and symbolic. Legislative and executive powers are defined, with Congress holding more power than the Senate. The government can be overthrown by a constructive vote of no confidence. Organic Laws require an absolute majority for approval. Economic issues are covered in Title 7, and territorial organization in Title 8. The system of freedoms is protected by the Constitutional Court, the judiciary, and the Ombudsman.