Spain’s Transition: From Dictatorship to Democracy
End of the Franco Dictatorship
The final years of Franco’s dictatorship were marked by the dictator’s declining health, uncertainty about the regime’s future, and intense repression, even more violent than in previous eras. The economic development of the 1960s had also generated social and cultural changes that contradicted the ultraconservative dictatorship, highlighting the need for political change in Spain.
The Arias Navarro Government
In December 1973, Arias Navarro formed a government that excluded members of Opus Dei, composed of Francoist pragmatists. His first speech presented a liberalization project known as the “Spirit of February 12,” which aimed to regulate the right to political association. His government hesitated, combining press censorship limitations, which angered the intransigent right. They attempted to deport the Bishop of Bilbao, Antonio Añoveros. Franco, affected by a serious illness, was hospitalized in the summer of 1974, and Prince Juan Carlos assumed the position of interim head of state. The dictator demanded the resignation of Pío Cabanillas as Minister of Information and Tourism, which became widespread in the months following the closure of newspapers and magazines.
Reorganization of the Opposition
The anti-Franco opposition increased its activity. Citizens took advantage of demonstrations against the regime. Trade union-led demonstrations, such as those by CC.OO, gained significant magnitude, and strikes multiplied. The PCE, led by Santiago Carrillo, showed flexibility and collaboration with other political groups. The Democratic Board joined various organizations and individuals, including the group led by Professor Enrique Tierno, the socialist founder of the Popular Socialist Party. In October 1974, the Socialist Party held a congress in Suresnes, leading to generational replacement, with young militants promoting Felipe Gonzalez. In June 1975, in response to the Democratic Board, the Socialists created the Democratic Convergence Platform, which included Democrats and far-left organizations. In Catalonia, the Assembly of Catalonia encompassed parties and groups coordinating their actions with other democratic forces in the state. The nationalist party CDC (Democratic Convergence of Catalonia), led by Jordi Pujol, gained considerable relevance. Terrorist groups emerged, including the Marxist-Leninist FRAP (Revolutionary Antifascist Patriotic Front), the Galician Guerrilleros Battalions of Cristo Rey, and the anticommunist Triple A.
Economic Crisis and Its Impact
Spain’s situation in 1973 was considerably better than in the previous decade. In 1960, Spanish per capita income reached $300, but by 1973, it exceeded $2000. In 1960, only 1% of Spanish households had televisions. Excessive dependence on foreign countries was very negative. Over 67% of the energy consumed in Spain was oil-based, which had been affordable when oil prices were low. The price increase caused a massive loss of foreign exchange, destabilizing the balance of payments. Foreign capital retreated due to the crisis. The crisis highlighted the limitations of “desarrollismo.”
Regional Disparities
The crisis revealed serious differences between advanced and backward regions. While the interior was uninhabited, regional imbalances persisted, with over 30 provinces below the average income level.
Increased Social Inequalities
Spain had not achieved a comparable welfare state to other European countries due to scarce public finances. Growth rates slowed, and unemployment, previously irrelevant, soared during the 1970s.