Basque Country’s Transition to Democracy: 1976-1980
The Basque Country’s Path to Autonomy (1976-1980)
1976: Strikes and Demands for Autonomy
In 1976, strikes and demands for greater autonomy and freedom were widespread in the Basque Country. Two tragic events marked this year: the killing of five workers during a demonstration in Vitoria and shots fired at the Carlist gathering in Montejurra. Workers, students, and political groups demanded freedom in the streets. Government repression of workers was significant.
1976: The End of Franco’s Regime and Political Reform
1979 was a year of intense hardship, marked by murders, tension, and pressure. It seemed a rapid reform was necessary, but ending Franco’s dictatorship proved impossible through simple reform. The transformation required dismantling the Francoist control, both culturally and politically. The key was to dismantle the regime’s main powers, especially the legislative power held by the Cortes.
A government decree, the Law for Political Reform, dissolved the Cortes, effectively ending the Franco regime. A referendum in 1976 confirmed this transition, paving the way for democracy.
1977: Elections and the Rise of Nationalism
1977 saw elections under a new electoral law. Only two coalitions emerged. While the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) secured deputies only in the Basque Country, nationalist sentiment was strong. Some parties failed to gain representation. The following years, leading up to the 1978 Constitution, witnessed the success of the UCD (Union of the Democratic Centre) party. Negotiations took place with Basque leader Leizaola, but no agreement was reached.
Negotiating Autonomy: Challenges and Compromises
Navarre presented a major obstacle, as many Navarrese did not want to be included in the Basque autonomous region. Negotiations between Roca and the nationalist parties addressed the potential inclusion of Navarre. Another point of contention was the issue of symbols. Ultimately, an agreement was negotiated and approved.
The historical rights, enshrined in the Agreement of Bergara and the Economic Agreement signed by Cánovas, were also debated. Some demanded their removal to ensure equal autonomy with other regions. Suárez and the Cortes ultimately decided to uphold these rights. This led to abstention by Basque nationalists, who felt the government was unwilling to genuinely discuss autonomy due to its implications for the Constitution.
A significant development in 1978 was the establishment of the Basque General Council, comprising all Basque deputies. The Council assumed some powers, including financial ones. This led to the exclusion of many smaller parties, prompting them to form a coalition for future elections.
The Basque General Council and the Formation of Coalitions
The Basque General Council began its work, focusing on resource distribution. Efforts to form a broad coalition failed, leading to the creation of two separate coalitions: HB (Herri Batasuna) and EE (Euskadiko Ezkerra).
The Statute of Guernica
The Basque General Council’s first step towards the Statute of Guernica was hampered by high levels of violence. A referendum on the statute was held in 1978, resulting in high abstention but ultimately approval.
1980: Elections and the First Basque President
Following the Statute’s approval in 1980, elections were held to choose a president. Carlos Garaikoetxea, a nationalist, became the first president. The PNV won 25 seats (not an absolute majority). HB participated in the elections to gauge their support but did not take their seats in Parliament.