Spanish Politics 1976-2008: From Reform to Modernity
Political Reform (1976-1977)
The Political Reform Act
To carry out political reform, Adolfo Suarez drove the Political Reform Act, secured the support of the opposition, and held elections in 1977. The Act modified Francoist legislation, establishing popular sovereignty, a bicameral parliament elected by universal suffrage, and authorization to initiate constitutional reform. Put to a referendum in December 1976, the law passed with 94.1% affirmative votes.
Support of the Opposition
Suarez legalized all unions and political parties, including the Communist Party, and declared a political amnesty.
1977 Elections
The June 1977 elections gave the majority to the Democratic Centre Union (UCD), Suarez’s centrist party. This led to a policy of consensus with all political forces to draft the Constitution.
Moncloa Pacts
These agreements saw unions agree to wage moderation and employment flexibility in exchange for contained public spending, tax fraud reform, extended unemployment insurance, and increased social spending.
UCD Government (1979-1982)
Following the Constitution’s adoption in March 1979, new elections returned the UCD to power. However, Suarez resigned in 1981 amid rising terrorism, opposition, economic crisis, and divisions within his party.
Coup Attempt
During the investiture of his successor, Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo, a failed coup occurred on February 23, 1981. Deputies of the Cortes were kidnapped by soldiers and civil guards under Lieutenant Colonel Tejero. The new government lasted only one year.
UCD’s Achievements
During its time, the UCD government approved the Statute of Workers, Fiscal Reform, and the Law of Divorce. Spain also joined NATO’s political structure.
PSOE Governments (1982-1996)
The 1982 elections resulted in an absolute majority victory for the PSOE, which ruled until 1996 under Felipe Gonzalez.
Policy Measures
Spain joined the European Economic Community in 1986. Domestically, the army was reformed to prevent coups, agreements with France were made against terrorism, and various statutes of autonomy were adopted.
Economic Measures
To cope with the economic crisis, industrial restructuring was undertaken, involving closing uncompetitive firms and technological modernization. These measures led to high unemployment but allowed for subsequent economic development. With EEC funds, transport improved, highways were constructed, and the first AVE line (Madrid-Seville) opened.
Social Measures
Abortion was decriminalized in certain cases, and the welfare state expanded, extending public services like healthcare, compulsory education to age 16, unemployment insurance, and pensions.
End of an Era: The Socialist Government Crisis
GAL (Anti-Terrorist Liberation Groups) were created in the 1980s by Interior Ministry officials to combat ETA using terrorism.
PP Governments (1996-2004)
Policy Measures
Spain joined NATO’s military structure (1997) and intensified its relationship with the U.S., culminating in support for the Iraq War in 2003. Domestically, conscription was eliminated, a professional army was created, the fight against terrorism intensified, and opposition to the Lizarra Estella Pact (signed by Basque nationalist forces) was maintained.
Economic Measures
A liberalizing policy was intensified, reducing the public sector’s financial burden through privatization and labor market flexibility. These measures reduced the public deficit and inflation, fulfilling criteria for joining the euro in 2002.
Social Measures
The Aliens Act and measures to prevent illegal immigration were passed.
Crisis of the Popular Government
Public discontent arose over supporting the U.S. in the Iraq War, linked to the March 11, 2004, Madrid train bombings. The subsequent elections gave victory to the PSOE.
New Era of Socialist Government (2004-2008)
This period, headed by Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, had the following features:
Policy Measures
Spanish troops were withdrawn from Iraq. Statutes of autonomy were reformed for several communities (2006-2007), including Catalonia, Valencia, Andalucia, Baleares, Castilla y Leon, and Aragon. Political dialogue with ETA was initiated.
Economic Measures
Personal income tax was reduced by 6%, corporate tax was gradually reduced, and a law against tax evasion was introduced.
Social Measures
Same-sex marriage (2005), the Law on Gender Equality (2007) promoting equal pay, and the Dependency Act (recognizing the right to aid for those unable to fend for themselves) were approved.
New elections in 2008 returned the Socialist Party to power.