Spain’s Transition to Democracy: From Franco to Constitution
Spain’s Transition to Democracy
From Franco’s Regime to Constitutional Monarchy
The Communist Party of Spain (PCE), through its union, the Workers’ Commissions (CCOO), played a significant role in the opposition movement within Spain. A key development was the 1962 Munich Congress, which brought together various opposition groups (excluding the PCE). They agreed on crucial political changes for Spain’s potential entry into the European Common Market: democracy, political and trade union freedoms, and regional autonomy. Franco’s government responded with reprisals against attendees and the press, labeling the congress the “Munich Conspiracy”.
The Emergence of Opposition and the Role of the Church
In the early 1970s, opposition forces coordinated, leading to the formation of the “Democratic Junta of Spain” and “Democratic Convergence,” which eventually merged into the “Platajunta.” The regime also faced opposition from sectors within the Church following the Second Vatican Council.
The Dawn of a New Era: The Transition
On June 22, 1975, Prince Juan Carlos of Bourbon ascended the throne, restoring the Bourbon dynasty. In his inaugural address, he expressed his intent to reform the regime and guide Spain towards democracy. This marked the beginning of the Transition, a period spanning from Franco’s death in 1975 to the adoption of the 1978 Constitution.
Following the resignation of Carlos Arias Navarro, King Juan Carlos appointed Adolfo Suárez as president in 1976 to lead the political reform process. In 1976, the “Francoist” courts and the Spanish people approved the Law for Political Reform, signifying the end of Francoism. This law called for constituent elections by universal suffrage, a broad political amnesty, legalization of political parties and unions, the right to strike, and the return of Basque and Catalan autonomy.
The Drafting and Approval of the 1978 Constitution
The 1977 constituent elections resulted in a victory for the Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD), led by Adolfo Suárez. The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), led by Felipe González, came in second, followed by the PCE, led by Santiago Carrillo. A commission representing various parties drafted the new constitution, aiming for consensus. The Constitution’s approval by popular referendum in 1978 concluded the Transition and established a democratic state based on popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and a parliamentary monarchy.
Key Principles of the Constitution
The Constitution defines Spain as a parliamentary monarchy where the king reigns but does not govern. It enshrines principles of freedom, justice, and political pluralism, establishing rights and freedoms. It declares Spain a non-denominational state with a territorial organization based on regional autonomy. It establishes a bicameral parliament, universal suffrage, and a Constitutional Court. The death penalty was abolished. All regions achieved autonomous community status, with the state reserving general interest considerations.
Political Party System and Evolution
- 1977-1979: UCD dominance.
- 1982 onwards: Decline of the UCD and rise of the PSOE under Felipe González. Consolidation of nationalist parties like Convergence and Union (CiU) and the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV).
- 1982-1993: PSOE ruled with an absolute majority.
- 1993-1996: PSOE governed with support from nationalist parties.
- 1996-2004: People’s Party (PP) held power, often with support from nationalist parties.
- 2004-2008: PSOE returned to power with an absolute majority.
The UCD’s collapse was attributed to internal struggles and loss of votes. The PSOE’s decline was linked to political scandals.
Foreign Policy and Economic Challenges
Spain joined NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC), now the European Union, in 1986. The economic crisis of 1973, marked by industrial closures, unemployment, and inflation, impacted Spain during the Transition. Adolfo Suárez implemented the Moncloa Pacts (1977) to address the economic and social crises, involving major unions (UGT, CCOO) and the CEOE employers’ association.
Terrorism and the Transition
Terrorism from both the extreme right and left posed a significant obstacle to the Transition. Two coup attempts, “Operation Galaxy” (1978) and the 23-F coup, threatened the process.