The Political Transition of Juan Carlos I: A New Era for Spain
The Political Transition of Juan Carlos I
We are facing a primary source of political nature. It is a fragment of discourse that Juan Carlos de Borbón delivered upon taking the Head of State. These are moments of anxiety and hope in the country, as he was elected as the successor to the Head of State by General Franco. Although the choice was made in 1969, it came after the death of Franco. Juan Carlos, son of Juan de Borbón, the legitimate successor of the dynastic rights of the Spanish royal family, was educated in Spain under the tutelage of Franco. In 1969, he was appointed his heir because his regime wanted to apply an authoritarian monarchy.
Outline of Government
The text is written to outline the government of the new king. His character is public and is aimed at solicitors of the Spanish Cortes, in order to swear before the courts as the new King of Spain.
Political Context
In 1974, Arias Navarro was elected Prime Minister after the death of Franco’s successor, Carrero Blanco, in 1973. In 1975, several members of ETA and FRAP were tried and sentenced to death, leading to several demonstrations in the capital. Two days before the death of Franco (November 18, 1975), the Spanish Sahara was handed over to Morocco and Mauritania through the Tripartite Agreement of Madrid.
First Speech as King
In this tense and difficult time, the king took the crown and gave his first speech as king. The first paragraph refers to the death of Franco and his willingness to take the crown, serving as an introduction that skips the order of the dynastic dictator. The second paragraph hints at some reformist intent, possibly referring to the shift to democracy and popular sovereignty.
Desire for Unity
The third paragraph expresses a desire for unity and national reconciliation, emphasizing not to distinguish between winners and losers but to involve all Spaniards. However, the next paragraph seems to indicate an intention to continue the Franco regime, as Juan Carlos I kept the three branches of government in his hands. Without a separation of powers, there is no democracy. He still recognized Spain as an indivisible unit, reaffirming the unity of Spain while acknowledging the diversity that exists in the country. The solution to this contradiction would be found in the future state of autonomies.
Social and Economic Rights
The social and economic rights are other issues addressed in the segments of the monarch’s speech. Both are signs of concern, as the country was mired in a financial crisis. At the same time, the recognition of these rights aligns with the direction led by Western Europe in the second half of the twentieth century, the “welfare state,” where the state should care for the needs of its citizens.
Institutional Relationships
Finally, the last two nods are to the most powerful institutions of Franco: the army and the Church. Initially, the Army supported the regime from its inception and continued to do so during the dictatorship, showing absolute loyalty to Franco. The Church supported him at first but gradually distanced itself from the Franco regime. During the transition, the Army adopted political neutrality, and the Church became separate from the state.
Proclamation of the King
On November 22, 1975, Juan Carlos I de Borbón was proclaimed King of Spain. The King chose to keep Arias Navarro as President of the Government but also included some reformist ministers, including Fraga, Osorio, Martín Villa, and Suárez. Fernández Miranda was appointed as Chairman of the Parliament. There was constant political instability.
Political Developments
In late March, the opposition agreed to drive the Democratic Platform, which dissolved and formed the Democratic Coordination, known as the “Platajunta.” On July 1, President Arias was summoned by the King for his resignation, to which he offered no resistance. The monarch ordered a former cabinet minister of Arias, Adolfo Suárez, to form a government. Suárez’s government was initially poorly received by the opposition, as it was bound by the Movement, but soon demonstrated that it was not so.
Legal Reforms
In July 1976, the Penal Code reform was approved, allowing the legalization of parties, except those advocating a totalitarian society (ECP). On November 16, the Parliament adopted the Law for Political Reform, which was approved in a referendum. This Act established fully democratic bases.
First General Election
In May 1977, the Democratic Center Union was formed. They won the first general election on June 15 of that year, after 41 years. D. Juan Carlos I grasped the new reality of Spain. These were years in which development produced important changes in economic structures and mentalities. The middle class grew considerably through a process of industrialization. The advent of tourism and the opening to Europe filled the Spanish with new ideas.
A New Phase in History
The new society, which is making its way, demands more freedom and is inconsistent with a regime whose ideological principles in the past were more dramatic for the country. With the king began a new phase in the history of Spain, marking the first political transition and the democratic system that can be glimpsed later in this speech.