Francoism in Spain: Politics, Economy, and Society
Franco’s Regime: Key Features
Totalitarianism: The Franco dictatorship, inspired by Italian Fascism and German Nazism, abolished the 1931 constitution, closed the parliament, and banned all political parties and trade unions.
Warlordism: Franco, as the leader of Spain, held the positions of Chief of State and Prime Minister.
- Repression of the opposition.
- Control of the media.
Fundamental Laws of Francoist Spain
Establishment of basic political laws and Francoist state legal organizations. In January 1938, when the leader appointed his first government, the task of building the new state’s scheme began. The primary feature of the new state was the concentration of powers in the person of Franco. Franco was the head of state, party, and Generalissimo of the armies. He also presided over the national council and appointed the general secretary of the movement, with the power to enact laws in emergency situations.
- In 1938, the Jurisdiction of Work was established, inspired by Fascist principles.
- In 1945, after the defeat of the Axis powers, the Franco regime introduced new fundamental laws, including the Jurisdiction of the Spanish, which aimed to present an image of Franco’s Spain enjoying certain political policies and citizen liberties, and the Law on National Referendum.
- In 1947, the Law of Succession allowed Franco to designate a successor with the title of King. This law also created two new organs: the Council of Regency and the Council of the Realm.
- In 1958, the Law of the Principles of the National Movement was enacted, reaffirming the National Movement as the only party and requiring all senior civilian or military officials to be members.
Organic Democracy Under Franco
Franco rejected the democratic system based on popular suffrage and the separation of powers. The new state was inspired by the Italian corporate state, involving communities and three basic units: the family, the municipality, and the union. The system, called “organic democracy,” aimed to give some legitimacy to the regime, but it differed from traditional democracy.
Popular representation in state institutions was regulated by the Law of the Courts, established in 1942. Representatives, called “procurators,” were appointed by the government and included ministers, members of the National Movement, and the union. This created a corporate representation by thirds. Franco’s courts were not democratically elected; they served as an organ of cooperation with the head of state. Other state powers included the official trade unions, established by the 1940 Trade Union Unity Act, inspired by Fascist Italy.
Economic Stabilization Plan
- Stabilization of the economy.
- Reduction of inflation.
- Increased interest rates.
- Limited bank credits.
- Frozen wages.
Economic Liberalization: Internal and external liberalization of the economy aimed to remove obstacles to the entry of goods and facilitate foreign capital investment. The peseta was devalued by almost 50% against the dollar.
Development Plans
In the 1960s, economic and social development plans were added to the stabilization program. These plans had two main objectives:
- Solve shortcomings of the industry.
- Reduce regional economic imbalances by promoting new industrial areas in regions with low industrialization.
Government of Technocrats
The economic opening led to political reforms. Starting in 1962, new ministers with a technocratic character joined the government, alongside young reformist Falangists like Manuel Fraga. The goal was both economic development and political renewal.
Legislative Reforms
- In 1963, the Court of Public Order was created.
- In 1967, the Social Security Act was approved, broadening social security coverage from the state and initiating the construction of a politically integrated welfare state, though still lagging behind much of Europe.
Death of the Dictator
Franco’s health worsened throughout 1974 and 1975. On November 14, 1975, the Madrid Agreement was signed, ceding the Spanish Sahara to Morocco and Mauritania. Franco died on November 20, 1975, leaving a major crisis. The dictator left the future of Spain “tied up and well tied.”