Spanish Democratic Transition: From Franco to Democracy (1975-1982)

Posted on Oct 23, 2024 in History

The Spanish Democratic Transition (1975-1982)

From Dictatorship to Democracy

The Spanish transition to democracy began in November 1975 with the proclamation of King Juan Carlos I as head of state. This marked the restoration of democratic institutions and the end of the Franco dictatorship. The transition culminated in 1982 with the arrival of the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party) to power, signifying the consolidation of democracy in Spain.

Characteristics of the Transition

This historical period had specific characteristics:

  1. Controlled Evolution: It was a controlled evolution from the Franco regime to democracy.
  2. Consensus Agreement: It was the result of a consensus agreement among political leaders, including those from the old Francoist state.
  3. Popular Pressure: It responded to pressure and popular mobilization for democratic change.

Key Aspects of the Transition

Historian Manuel Aragón has identified four key aspects of the transition:

  1. The purpose of the change (from dictatorship to democracy).
  2. The installation of democratic institutions.
  3. The legal instruments used to facilitate the change.
  4. The person who would lead the change in post-Franco Spain (Adolfo Suárez).

Political Landscape

Political forces in Spain were divided into two major trends:

  • The “Inmovilistas”: This group, including figures like Fraga and José María de Areilza, believed that the Francoist regime could continue with minimal changes.
  • The “Aperturistas”: This group advocated for a gradual opening and liberalization of the regime.

The nationalist right in Catalonia had its own party, Democratic Convergence of Catalonia, led by Jordi Pujol. Outside of these two main trends was the PSOE, which had relatively small influence but played a significant role in mobilizing the streets and infiltrating the vertical Francoist unions.

The Role of King Juan Carlos I

On November 22, 1975, Juan Carlos I was proclaimed King and Head of State. He promised a future open to democracy. On December 4, he confirmed Carlos Arias Navarro as President of the government. However, Arias Navarro, a convinced Francoist, could not be the instrument of the transition. The political opposition demanded a democratic rupture and mass mobilization, which weakened Arias Navarro’s position. King Juan Carlos, unhappy with his Prime Minister, eventually led to Arias Navarro’s resignation on July 1, 1976.

Adolfo Suárez and the Path to Democracy

Adolfo Suárez faced many difficulties in forming a new government. His cabinet was formed by young, new politicians. Suárez focused on two main objectives:

  1. Drafting a law to allow political reforms and implement a liberal democratic system in Spain.
  2. Calling for elections to choose a parliament responsible for drafting a new democratic constitution.

The Law for Political Reform was key to establishing a parliamentary democracy in Spain. It required modifying existing Francoist laws. The law, approved by the Cortes in November 1976, enshrined democracy and the principle of popular sovereignty.

Suárez’s Reforms and Challenges

Suárez implemented a series of measures:

  1. Amnesty: He granted amnesty to political prisoners, including many Basque prisoners.
  2. Dialogue: He maintained contact with opposition leaders.
  3. Legalization: He legalized the right to strike and promulgated an electoral law.

However, terrorism also reactivated during this period, with ETA and GRAPO launching attacks and kidnappings. Suárez secured the support of opposition leaders in condemning these actions.

Legalization of Political Parties and the 1977 Elections

Suárez quietly prepared the legalization of political parties, which faced resistance from the military. Finally, on June 15, 1977, Spain held its first democratic elections since the Republic. The Union of the Democratic Center (UCD), led by Suárez, won the election.

The Moncloa Pacts and the Constitution

After the elections, the UCD government, inspired by economist Enrique Fuentes Quintana, initiated the Moncloa Pacts in 1977. These pacts constituted a major economic agreement between the government, political parties, and trade unions. The drafting of the new Constitution was based on a similar policy of consensus. The Constitution was adopted by referendum on December 6, 1978, and promulgated on December 29, 1979.

Transition to a New Era

Between 1979 and 1982, Spain underwent a new phase of transition. The parliament was dissolved, and regional and municipal elections were held. Spain joined NATO, a move that faced strong opposition from the left. The PSOE, rejecting its Marxist past, became the dominant party on the left, while the UCD and Suárez faced increasing criticism, leading to Suárez’s resignation in 1981.

The 1981 Coup Attempt

On February 23, 1981, a coup attempt led by Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero took place. The event was broadcast live on radio and television. General Jaime Milans del Bosch declared a state of war and sent tanks to the streets. However, the coup ultimately failed, thanks in large part to King Juan Carlos’s firm stance in defense of democracy.

The PSOE Victory and the Consolidation of Democracy

The general elections of October 1982 resulted in a significant political shift. The PSOE achieved an electoral victory, ushering in a new period in Spanish politics. The era of consensus and pacts was replaced by single-party government. The Spanish political transition could be considered complete with the return of the reformist left to power after more than 40 years.