Francoist Spain: UN Resolution & 1966 State Act
UN Resolution on Relations with Spain (1946)
This document, a UN resolution from December 12, 1946, is a significant political statement. The UN, formed after World War II to promote peace and equal living standards, addressed Spain’s exclusion. The resolution reflects the UN General Assembly’s rejection of General Franco’s regime. The regime, established with Axis support during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), was considered fascist due to its absolutist, undemocratic nature, and its aid to the Axis powers (e.g., the Blue Division). This support, despite Allied protests, led to the resolution.
Consequences for the Franco regime were severe. International isolation and condemnation followed, impacting Spain politically, economically, and socially. However, the Cold War shifted the geopolitical landscape. Spain’s strategic location led to joint military bases with the U.S. In 1947, the UN lifted the ban on Spain, and in 1953, it received Marshall Plan aid. In 1955, Spain joined the UN, boosting its economy (industrial imports quadrupled, exports diversified). Despite this, international isolation persisted due to Franco’s totalitarian regime; Spain couldn’t join the EEC or NATO.
1966 State Organization Act
This law, enacted in 1966, aimed to secure the Franco regime’s survival after Franco’s death. Introduced by Franco and ratified by referendum, it was signed into law in January 1967. The Franco regime, characterized by a powerful technocratic elite, used this act—along with other fundamental laws (Labor Law, Act of Incorporation of the Charter of the Spanish Cortes, National Referendum Law, Law of Succession to the Head of State, Law on Principles of National Movement)—to institutionalize its power. The act declared the state as embodying sovereignty, not the people, reflecting the lack of universal suffrage and a protective constitution. The regime termed its system “organic democracy,” where representation was limited to family, municipality, and state-controlled vertical unions.
The head of state held near-absolute power, controlling the political, legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The act defined the roles of the head of state and prime minister. While concentrating power in the dictator, it also introduced innovations such as separating the Head of State and Government, and establishing provincial attorney-controlled elections. In 1967, Carrero Blanco became prime minister, wielding significant power. Growing social unrest in the 1970s, including the May 1st murder of a policeman by the FRAP (Frente Revolucionario Antifascist and Patriot), led to an explosive law and order situation. Carrero Blanco’s assassination by ETA on December 20, 1973, resulted in Carlos Arias Navarro becoming president.