Democratic Governments in Spain Since 1982 & European Integration
3) Democratic Governments Since 1982: Integration in Europe
A) The Hegemony of the PSOE (1982-96)
1) Electoral Developments
The triumph of the PSOE in 1982 marked the first time the left had accessed power since 1939. The PSOE won four consecutive elections under its leader, Felipe Gonzalez.
The PSOE pursued a policy of reform in Spain, aiming to modernize the country, consolidate democracy, develop the State of Autonomous Communities, complete Spain’s integration into Europe, create a welfare state, and counter the effects of the economic crisis. Its policies shifted towards a neo-liberal and pragmatic approach, given the need to combine public spending with social welfare policies.
2) The Reformism of the PSOE
Reformist measures to strengthen democracy:
- Rights and freedoms were regulated and novelties introduced.
- The judiciary was reformed.
- The process of territorial organization was finalized, completing the regional map.
- The civil power over the military was settled, and the army became a professional body.
- There was police and political empowerment against ETA, and cooperation with France was obtained in 1984.
Economic policy:
- The government aimed to fight the economic crisis.
- An economic adjustment policy was created to control the deficit and inflation.
- Corporate concentration was encouraged to gain competitiveness.
- Unemployment rose.
- The deficit evolved, the tax burden was raised, and the demand for public spending increased.
Social policy:
- Public services were improved.
- A national system of universal health care was established through the General Health Law.
- Education was modernized and democratized.
- Pension and unemployment benefits were improved.
Foreign policy:
- Spain fully integrated into the EEC on January 1, 1986.
- The PSOE changed its stance on NATO while in power and had to make a major effort to convince the party to remain in the alliance. The referendum resulted in a victory for remaining in NATO.
3) The Contradictions of Liberal Social Policy: Progressive Discrediting of the Government
Economic growth led to the enrichment of some businessmen and politicians. Later, cases of corruption within the party came to light.
The government pursued a neoliberal economic policy that liberalized the market and resulted in the privatization of numerous public companies. Increased flexibility in labor contracts and redundancies were introduced, leading to worker discontent and a general strike on December 14, 1988.
ETA terrorism persisted, and in the late 80s, the GAL appeared as an anti-terrorist strategy.
4) The Decline of the PSOE (93-96)
There was a recession after the Olympic Games and the EXPO 92 in Seville.
Political weakness emerged. In 1992, the government signed the Treaty of Maastricht, which created the EU and established economic and monetary union and a single currency, the Euro, for 2000. The program involved the adoption of measures that the PSOE failed to comply with.
New corruption scandals that had started in 1989 came to light.
B) The Governments of the PP (Jose Maria Aznar)
1) Minority Government (1996-2000)
The 1996 elections gave power to the PP, with Aznar as president. His moderate political stance confirmed the validity of the Spanish right as a democratic alternative.
With the economic boom, unemployment, public deficit, and inflation were reduced, and the annual growth rate increased. Fiscal policy benefited the richer, and the labor market became more flexible, increasing job insecurity, although unemployment fell.
The fight against terrorism continued.
2) The Absolute Majority Rule (2000-2004)
The PP opted for social confrontation over negotiations, prompting union opposition.
The political confrontation between the PP and the nationalists led to the radicalization of the latter.
Spain aligned itself with the aggressive foreign policy of George Bush following the attacks of September 11, 2001. The attacks of March 11, 2004, in Madrid, which killed almost 200 people, gave victory to the PSOE in the elections on the 14th.
C) Current Governments
1) Zapatero’s First Government (2004-08): From Prosperity to Crisis
Economic prosperity continued until 2007. Economic policy did not stray far from liberalism. Progress was made in comprehensive social protection and addressing the influx of immigrants. However, structural defects in the Spanish economy, such as the strong presence of the construction sector, were not corrected.
In domestic politics, there was a period of détente, reflecting the spirit of Zapatero’s government to engage in dialogue with all political forces, including ETA. In international politics, this spirit of dialogue was also projected, which would continue with Obama’s accession to power.
2) The Economic Crisis and the Erosion of Government (2008-10)
The PSOE was able to extend its lead with an electoral victory in 2008. However, since late 2007, the effects of a crisis, particularly in the housing sector, were being felt. The PP responded with strong opposition, advocating for a more liberal policy to counter the crisis.
The forecasts for Spain’s recovery from the crisis were not optimistic.
Other significant events included the ousting of the PNV from power in the Basque Country for the first time in history and the ongoing reform of the Catalan statute.
The crisis was likely to lead to an election victory for the PP in the next election, despite the problems of corruption within the party.