The Spanish Democratic Transition and the 1978 Constitution
The Spanish Transition and the 1978 Constitution
The democratic transition in Spain occurred between 1975 and 1982. It began with the death of Franco and the proclamation of Juan Carlos I as king in 1975, marking the third restoration of the Bourbon monarchy. The electoral victory of the PSOE in 1982 is generally accepted as the end of this transition. The arrival of major historical political parties consolidated democracy, as the political heirs of those marginalized under Franco began to govern.
The constituent stage, from 1975 to 1979, was crucial in designing the current Spanish state, culminating in the 1978 Constitution. Some consider these years the core of the democratic transition.
Characteristics of the Transition
- It was a controlled evolution from the Franco regime to democracy, without a clear break between the two systems. While there was substantial political change, the Francoist power structure was not entirely replaced. It was a reform of an authoritarian state rather than a complete overhaul.
- It demonstrated the maturity of Spanish society in the 1970s, as the Franco regime proved inadequate for an industrialized and urbanized nation. The transition was relatively peaceful and did not involve profound economic and social reforms.
- It resulted from an agreement among political leaders, former Francoist officials, and the opposition. This consensus facilitated the integration of diverse groups into the system, though it required some to moderate their more radical positions.
- While based on agreements between politicians, it also responded to popular pressure and mobilization, which significantly influenced the changes. The transition was a balance between the actions of political figures and the demands of the people.
Evolution of the Democratic Transition
Two days after Franco’s death, Juan Carlos I was proclaimed King of Spain on November 22, 1975, initiating a period of political openness and democracy. Juan Carlos advocated for a parliamentary democratic monarchy, achieved through a reform program from above. Initially, neither the right nor the left fully supported him, with some advocating for a democratic breakdown and a Constituent Assembly to decide on the form of state.
The need for consensus eventually prevailed. The political transition can be divided into two periods:
Constituent Period: The First Government of the Monarchy
Initially, King Juan Carlos, under pressure, confirmed Carlos Arias Navarro as President of the Government and appointed Fernandez Miranda as President of the Cortes. Carlos Arias was unable to implement the changes desired by the king and the leftist opposition due to his Francoist ideology. His speech in Parliament disappointed many, as he only announced timid reforms and legalized only two political parties. This led to instability, including terrorist attacks and pressure from the left, which ultimately led to his resignation on July 1, 1976.