Spanish Transition: Key Events and Political Developments (1974-2004)
Spanish Transition: Key Events (1974-2004)
Democratic Junta (1974)
Formed on July 29, 1974, in Paris, this agency opposed Franco’s regime. Led by the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) under Santiago Carrillo, it mobilized opposition with a 12-point program, gaining significant social and political support. The Junta engaged with various sectors, including businesses, military, and religious authorities, while also maintaining international contacts.
Platform of Democratic Convergence (1975)
Created on June 11, 1975, and led by the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE), this platform aimed to unify the opposition. It included the PSOE, Democratic Left, Communist Movement, Revolutionary Organization of Workers (ORT), and Spanish Social Democratic Union. The Carlist Party later joined, while the ORT left.
Montejurra (1976)
Site of annual Carlist Party pilgrimages and a key battle in the Third Carlist War (1873). In 1976, a violent incident orchestrated by Franco loyalists disrupted the pilgrimage. This operation, involving neo-fascist mercenaries, aimed to promote Sixtus of Bourbon as Carlist leader. Two people were killed, and several wounded.
Political Reform Act (1976)
Approved by Parliament on November 18, 1976, and ratified by referendum on December 15, 1976. This act facilitated Spain’s transition from Franco’s authoritarian regime to a democratic constitutional system, paving the way for the 1978 Constitution and the 1977 general elections.
GRAPO (1975)
The First of October Anti-Fascist Resistance Groups (GRAPO), a Maoist-inspired terrorist organization, emerged in 1975. Their first attack, on October 1, 1975, targeted four members of the Armed Police in Madrid. They later kidnapped Antonio Maria de Oriol y Urquijo (President of the State Council) in 1976 and Emilio Villaescusa Quilis (President of the Supreme Council of Military Justice) in 1977. Spanish authorities reported GRAPO’s dismantling in June 2007.
ETA (1959)
A Basque nationalist and Marxist-Leninist terrorist organization, ETA used armed struggle to achieve Basque independence (Euskal Herria). Founded in 1959, their first violent act occurred in July 1961.
Constitution of 1978
Spain’s supreme law, enacted during the Spanish Transition following Franco’s death in 1975. Its ambiguity reflects the compromises needed to achieve consensus among diverse political parties.
Historic Nationality
A term used in Spanish politics to denote autonomous communities with distinct linguistic or cultural identities.
Moncloa Pacts (1977)
Signed on October 25, 1977, at the Moncloa Palace, these agreements between the government, political parties, business associations, and the CCOO trade union aimed to stabilize the transition to democracy and address the high inflation rate (47%).
Motion of Censure
A parliamentary procedure to hold the executive branch accountable. In parliamentary systems, it can lead to the replacement of the Prime Minister.
23-F (1981)
On February 23, 1981, a failed coup attempt led by military commanders, including Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero, involved an assault on the Congress of Deputies during the Prime Ministerial vote for Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo.
United Left (IU) (1986)
A coalition of left-wing parties, including the PCE, formed in 1986 amid protests against Spain’s NATO membership under Calvo-Sotelo’s administration.
NATO Membership
Spain’s entry into NATO marked the end of its isolation and consolidated its democracy and military professionalization. Spain’s growing international presence facilitated its eventual admission.
11-M (2004)
On March 11, 2004, terrorist attacks on four Madrid commuter trains resulted in 191 deaths and 1,857 injuries. Weeks later, police located the terrorist cell in Leganés, where its members committed suicide.