The Spanish Transition to Democracy

Posted on Oct 20, 2024 in History

Suarez’s Reforms

Following Franco’s death, Adolfo Suarez initiated a series of reforms to transition Spain towards democracy. These included:

  • Legalization of political parties
  • Dissolution of Francoist institutions (courts, vertical union)
  • The 1977 general elections, which Suarez’s UCD party won with an absolute majority

The 1978 Constitution

In 1978, a new constitution was drafted and approved via referendum. This constitution established:

  • Democracy
  • Individual rights and freedoms
  • Secularism
  • National sovereignty
  • Autonomy for regions (“coffee for everyone”)
  • Separation of powers within a parliamentary monarchy

Catalonia’s Vindication of Autonomy

The Catalan people actively sought autonomy during the transition. Key events include:

  • The Assemblea de Catalunya (1971), advocating for freedom, amnesty, and a statute of autonomy
  • The 1976 March for Freedom, demanding freedom for Catalonia
  • A large demonstration in Barcelona (1977) with over a million people demanding autonomy
  • The return of Josep Tarradellas as President of the Generalitat of Catalonia (1977)
  • The 1979 Statute of Sau, granting Catalonia significant autonomy

Statute of Sau

The Statute of Sau established:

  • A Catalan government with a Parliament, President, and executive powers
  • Recognition of Catalonia as a nationality within Spain
  • Exclusive, shared, and state-level competencies
  • Two official languages: Catalan and Spanish

First Regional Elections in Catalonia (1980)

Jordi Pujol’s CiU party won a relative majority in the first regional elections, solidifying the autonomy process.

Problems of the Transition

Political Violence

Extremist groups, including ETA and FRAP, opposed the transition and engaged in violence. ETA killed over 100 people during this period. Herri Batasuna, ETA’s political arm, was established in 1978.

23-F Coup Attempt (1981)

On February 23, 1981, a group of Civil Guards led by Antonio Tejero attempted a coup d’état by storming the Congress of Deputies. The coup failed due to lack of support from the King and the military.

Consolidation of Democracy

PSOE Governments (1982-1996)

The PSOE, led by Felipe Gonzalez, won the 1982 elections and governed until 1996. Key policies included:

  • Military modernization
  • Expansion of the welfare state
  • Legalization of abortion in certain cases
  • Educational reform (LOGSE)
  • Combating terrorism, including the controversial GAL group
  • Integration into NATO (1986) and the EEC (1986)

Consolidation of Autonomies

The Spanish Constitution established a system of 17 autonomous regions. Each region gradually gained powers in areas like health and education. Two types of autonomies emerged: nationalities (with greater powers) and regions.

Government Policy in Catalonia (1980-2003)

CiU, led by Jordi Pujol, governed Catalonia from 1980 to 2003. Key policies included:

  • Strengthening the Catalan language through language immersion in schools and the Normalization Law
  • Promoting Catalan culture through grants for books, theater, music, and cinema
  • Hosting the 1992 Barcelona Olympics