Spain’s Democratic Transition and Franco Regime Legacy
The Spanish Democratic Transition (1975-1982)
First Government of the Monarchy (1975-1976)
Juan Carlos I was crowned as Head of State on November 22, 1975, continuing with Carlos Arias Navarro as Head of Government. The six months that followed were challenging. The government had to face major social conflicts. Unions went on strike demanding political freedoms and greater union representation, particularly in Madrid.
The Suárez Government and Political Reform (1976-1977)
The King forced Arias Navarro’s resignation in July 1976, appointing Adolfo Suárez to the presidency. Suárez quickly initiated political reforms. The key piece of legislation passed was the Law for Political Reform, approved by the Francoist Cortes. This law established that the principle of sovereignty resided in the people, mandated cuts to previous structures, and provided for a bicameral legislature elected by universal suffrage.
Key Events of 1977
The year 1977 was marked by significant events:
- Kidnappings and killings occurred, notably the massacre of labor lawyers (*abogados laboralistas*).
- During Holy Week, the Communist Party (PCE) was legalized.
- Almost all Francoist institutions were dismantled shortly thereafter.
- On April 1st, the National Movement was dissolved.
- An Amnesty Law was passed, and the Spanish state ratified a series of international covenants on civil, political, and union rights compliance.
The 1977 General Election and Moncloa Pacts
In the July 1977 elections, the Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD) won, and Adolfo Suárez was invested as President, with the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) forming the second largest bloc. Suárez’s primary objectives were the development of a new Constitution and the establishment of an economic pact (the Moncloa Pacts).
Following the election, the government, concerned about the economic crisis, proposed a political and socio-economic agreement that culminated in the signing of the Moncloa Pacts in October of that year. These agreements acted on four critical issues:
- The economy and inflation.
- Deterioration of the external sector.
- Unemployment.
- Falling tax revenue and investment.
A key reform was the introduction of the Personal Income Tax (IRPF), fundamental to the welfare state, allowing investment in public services like highways and education based on income level.
The 1978 Constitution and Autonomy Claims
The Constitution of 1978 was approved by referendum on November 20th and ratified on December 6th. Following this, the Catalan Parliamentary Assembly was formed to claim the Statute of Catalan Autonomy. Suárez invited the President of the Generalitat (in exile) to return, offering institutional recognition. Similarly, in the Basque Country, the President of the Basque Assembly was recognized.
Elections, Crises, and the 1981 Coup Attempt
Suárez called elections in 1979, which the UCD won, securing his presidency. Municipal elections followed in April. The UCD soon faced a crisis, demonstrating the weakness of the majority parties. The systemic crisis culminated in 1981. Internal conflicts within the UCD arose in 1980 after political failures in Andalusia and the Basque Country.
On February 23, 1981, a coup d’état was attempted but was thwarted by the King’s intervention. Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo was chosen as the new President, and a major debate arose regarding Spain’s entry into NATO. Suárez subsequently resigned from the UCD. In October 1982, the PSOE won the general election.
The Franco Regime: 1939-1975
The Blue Stage and Early Dictatorship
Franco’s movement aimed to implement reactionary changes in Spanish society. The “Blue Stage,” coinciding with World War II, saw Spain remain officially neutral due to the devastating Civil War. During this period, the Falange was highly predominant, establishing a military dictatorship. Early fundamental laws included the Forum of Work and the Press Law. Subsequent acts aimed to eradicate every vestige of liberalism and democracy. Repression remained implacable, costing the lives of an estimated 50,000 people after the war.
Franco met with Hitler in Hendaye, expressing his willingness to enter the war if Germany offered certain counterparts. Although this did not materialize, the Blue Division was voluntarily submitted to fight on the Russian front. This era saw the creation of Falange-aligned organizations to extend the regime’s power: the Spanish University Union (SEU), the Youth Front, the Women’s Section, and the Spanish Syndical Organization (trade unions).
Isolation and Economic Autarky (1940s-1950s)
The Cold War perspective changed the US stance toward Spain, as the anti-communist Franco regime fit well into the new geopolitical landscape. However, Spain was initially excluded from the Marshall Plan for the reconstruction of democratic Europe. These were years of isolation, and the economy was severely stagnant.
During the 1940s and 1950s, Spain experienced economic stagnation and political shortage due to the policy of economic autarky. In 1943, the Spanish Cortes (parliament) was constituted by Franco. The ideological project was based on economic self-sufficiency and the subordination of the economy to the state. This grim economic policy, coupled with the fallout from the Civil War, caused hunger, poverty, and diseases like tuberculosis. At various times, aid was obtained, notably from Argentina. A major strike occurred in Barcelona in 1951 due to a rise in tram ticket prices.
Consolidation and Development Plans (1950s-1960s)
The regime began its consolidation with the Law of Succession, which declared Spain a kingdom. This law designated who would be the future ruler or king, a designation rejected by Juan de Borbón, Count of Barcelona, from Estoril. The law was passed by referendum. Don Juan attacked the rules of the game, eventually agreeing to a meeting with the dictator that resulted in his son, Juan Carlos, being educated under Franco’s tutelage.
In 1956, Morocco gained independence. In 1957, a new government prepared another law, the Principles of the National Movement, reaffirming the anti-democratic foundations, with increasing influence from members of Opus Dei.
The 1960s marked the economic liberalization of the regime, leading to an economic takeoff—the “Spanish miracle.” Strong foreign investments rapidly industrialized the country. Development Plans were implemented, causing significant social and cultural changes. A new society emerged: urban, industrial, and consumerist.
Late Francoism (Tardofranquismo)
By the late 1960s, Franco was an elderly man (over 70) suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Admiral Carrero Blanco began acquiring prominence. Franco designated Juan Carlos as his successor, maintaining the political immobility of the Spanish state.
There was increasing social mobilization, with demands from the new working class directed by workers’ committees and unions. The assassination of Carrero Blanco in 1973, carried out by ETA, was a major blow to the regime. Franco appointed Carlos Arias Navarro as President, who initiated a limited program of apertura (opening).
The final years were marked by economic crisis (the 1973 oil crisis), hard labor repression, and the conflict over the Sahara. Franco died in November 1975.