Spain’s Democratic Transition: 1975-1982
Spain’s Democratic Transition: An Overview
The Spanish Democratic Transition and the 1978 Constitution began in 1975 after Franco’s death and extended until 1982 with the socialists’ rise to power. Franco’s wishes for an integral Spain were incompatible with the survival of modern Europe. Three political alternatives were proposed after the dictatorship: continuity, reformism, or rupture.
Key Figures and Early Reforms (1975-1977)
On November 22, 1975, Juan Carlos I was proclaimed king and expressed his willingness to democratize the country. In December 1975, the king appointed Torcuato Fernández-Miranda as President of the Cortes and the Council of the Realm. The first monarchical government was led by Arias Navarro. 1976 saw significant strikes and trade union mobilizations.
In July 1976, Adolfo Suárez was appointed president. His reform drive in July led to the approval of cuts in the criminal code, which allowed the legalization of political parties. In September, Suárez presented the Political Reform Act, a significant parliamentary step towards systemic change from Francoist institutions. On November 16, the Political Reform Act was debated in the Cortes. It convened Government Attorneys and elections by universal suffrage. It was a short text that claimed democracy and popular sovereignty, acknowledging fundamental human rights.
On December 15, 1976, the law underwent a national referendum and obtained a majority ‘YES’ vote, strengthening the government. Suárez then called for general elections on June 15, 1977, to constitute Cortes by universal suffrage, which would elaborate the new constitution. Most parties were legalized, including the PCE (Communist Party of Spain). On June 15, 1977, the first democratic elections since 1936 were held, won by the UCD (Union of the Democratic Centre) led by Suárez. The Spanish people opted for moderation.
Economic Consensus and Regional Autonomy
In October 1977, amidst growing unemployment, the Moncloa Pacts were signed by the government and major political parties. These pacts allowed the government to achieve economic consensus, which was essential to reinforce the democratic outcome. Following the elections, the Generalitat of Catalonia was re-established, with Josep Tarradellas at its head. In the Basque Country, the General Council of the Basque Country was re-established. The State of Autonomies was thus announced.
Drafting and Approval of the 1978 Constitution
On June 13, 1977, the Cortes were constituted with the primary task of developing a new constitution. A Constitutional Commission was formed with 36 members. From this commission, a smaller ponencia (drafting committee) was chosen. After 16 months, the draft of the Constitution was approved by the Cortes on October 31, 1978. On December 6, 1978, it was approved in a national referendum. The Constitution is a long text that defines Spain as a ‘social and democratic state’ whose form of government is a parliamentary monarchy. It defines Spain as non-confessional. The Constitution was elaborated with a spirit of consensus.
Challenges, Coup Attempt, and PSOE Victory
Suárez called for general elections in March 1979, which were again won by the UCD. However, the UCD began to fracture. On February 28, 1980, the UCD suffered a significant setback in the referendum on Andalusian autonomy, which marked the beginning of the end for Suárez. He resigned in January 1981.
After his resignation, Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo became president. On February 23, 1981, a coup attempt occurred. The Congress of Deputies was occupied by a detachment of Civil Guards led by Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero. The swift intervention and orders from the King aborted the coup. Calvo-Sotelo’s government lasted for a year and a half. One of the UCD’s last major decisions was Spain’s integration into NATO.
After the summer of 1982, Calvo-Sotelo decided to call for early general elections. The elections on October 28, 1982, marked the overwhelming victory of the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party).