Spanish Transition to Democracy: Reform or Rupture?
1. Political Change and the Organization of Forces
The Debate: Reform or Rupture?
Following Franco’s death, the vast majority of Spanish society desired significant change. A fierce debate arose concerning the path to achieve this transformation. Some advocated for reforming Franco’s existing institutions and laws, while others believed a revolutionary break was the only way to achieve true democracy.
The Reformists
The reformists, often referred to as the aperturistas, were primarily young politicians who had not experienced the war. Figures like Pio Cabanillas, Gabriel Cisneros, Adolfo Suárez, Rodolfo Martín Villa, Marcelino Oreja, and Alfonso Osorio represented this new generation. They had advocated for political association and gradual change. Even senior politicians like Manuel Fraga and José María de Areilza recognized the need for political evolution. This group would form the core of successive transitional governments. Within the reformist camp, there were nuances, but the dominant idea was to implement changes that would create a more democratic and European regime without fundamentally altering its essence.
The Democratic Forces
In contrast, the democratic forces argued that a clean break from the past was essential for achieving democracy. They proposed a provisional government to guarantee basic freedoms and initiate a constitutional process to address Spain’s political transformation.
The Divided Opposition
The political opposition was fragmented after Franco’s death.
Catalan and Basque Nationalist Forces
In Catalonia, the Assemblea de Catalunya, a unified body of parties, unions, and neighborhood associations, had existed since 1971. In 1975, the Consell de Forces Politiques de Catalunya called for the restoration of Catalan autonomy. In contrast, the Basque Country experienced division between nationalist and Spanish forces. ETA’s activity and the harsh police response increased the terrorist organization’s prestige among a significant portion of the population.The Democratic Right
Led by figures like Gil Robles and Ruiz Giménez, the democratic right had limited influence despite their public statements.The Left
- Enrique Tierno Galván founded the Partido Socialista Popular (PSP), which drew support from students and intellectuals.
- The PSOE, initially divided, saw younger leaders, known as renovators, challenge the existing leadership. In 1974, the Socialist International backed the reformers, and at the Suresnes Congress, Felipe González was elected Secretary General.
- The PCE, led by Santiago Carrillo, benefited from its anti-Franco activism. In 1974, they created the Junta Democrática as a unified opposition platform, advocating for a democratic break. The PSOE refused to join, leading to the creation of the Plataforma de Convergencia Democrática in 1975, which included the PSOE, the Democratic Left, the UGT, the PNV, and a Carlist faction.
- Radical communist parties like the PTE, MC, ORT, and LCR, many affiliated with the Junta Democrática or the Plataforma, were positioned to the left of the PCE.
The Labor Movement
The CCOO’s entryism tactics had led to success in industrial disputes. The UGT also began to regain influence. Other unions, like the Unión Sindical Obrera (USO) and the CNT, had less impact.
Reconciling Reform and Rupture
The opposing sides—reform and rupture—seemed irreconcilable. Ultimately, a combination of social pressure, understanding between reformers within the opposition and the system, ensured the stability of the transition process and enabled a model transition to democracy.