Transition to Democracy in Spain: Key Events and Political Changes
Beginning of the Transition: Democratic Alternatives
1.2 – Two possible ways:
- Rupture advocated by the opposition, mainly PSOE and the Communist party, for immediate dissolution of Francoist institutions.
- Reform supported by moderate opposition and liberal Francoists like Manuel Fraga, Jose Maria, and Adolfo Suarez, aiming to achieve democracy by reforming Francoist institutions and laws.
Adolfo Suarez and Political Reform
1-Law for Political Reform 1976: Amended Francoist legislation and established popular sovereignty, a two-chamber parliament, whose members would be elected by universal suffrage. The law was approved in 1976 with 94% of the votes.
Support of the Opposition: Adolfo Suarez gained the support of the opposition by legalizing all the unions and political parties.
First Democratic Elections
First elections after 40 years of dictatorship in June 1977 resulted in a victory for UCD led by Adolfo Suarez.
First Governments of UCD: Economic Crisis
Affected inflation, unemployment, and trade benefits.
Constitution of 1978
Gathers the rights and duties of Spanish citizens and regulates state and territorial functioning.
- Rights and liberties are broad and guaranteed by the Constitutional Court.
- The state is described as social and democratic.
- Territorial organization establishes a decentralized model consisting of municipalities, provinces, and autonomous communities.
Second Government of the UCD
When the constitution was approved, elections were convened and won by the UCD. The state of autonomous communities began with the approval of autonomous statutes like Catalonia, Basque Country, Galicia, and Andalucia.
1981: Adolfo Suarez resigned due to terrorist violence and criticism from the opposition. On February 1981: Leopoldo Calvo Sotero was invested, and there was an attempt coup d’etat.
First Governments PSOE
Felipe Gonzalez was president of the Spanish government after winning 3 elections. Significant events in foreign policy included the incorporation of European communities in 1986. The army was reformed, and agreements were signed with France to combat terrorism. In the economy, industrial restructuring created unemployment but subsequently allowed for recovery. In the social sphere, abortion was decriminalized in certain circumstances, and the welfare state was expanded.
First Governments of PP
Jose María Aznar was the president of the Spanish government until 2004. In foreign policy, Spain joined NATO in 1997 and supported the UN in the world of Iraq. In domestic policy, it eliminated military compulsory services and created a professional army. The economy saw liberalizing measures and state enterprises were privatized to help reduce the weight of the public sector. Expenditure on social protection was cut, and the Immigration Act was passed to curb illegal immigration.
The Socialist
Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero chaired the socialist governments, and they involved a context of expansion in the economy until 2008. New reforms were undertaken in foreign policy, domestic policy, economy, and the social sphere.
Second Stage of PP
In foreign policy, there was a diplomatic conflict with Britain over the waters of Gibraltar and tense relations between Venezuela. Domestic policy saw the ascension to the throne of Philip VI and the emergence of two new political parties: Ciudadanos and Podemos. The economic crisis and social cutbacks saw an increase in the number of people at the risk of poverty. Later, the government promoted controversial education reforms.
Third Stage of the PSOE Government
To face the challenge of immigrants, promote the adoption, regenerate democracy in the face of corruption, remove symbols of Franco, and dialogue the problem of Catalan separatism. To boost employment and economic growth and promote gender equality and increase pensions.
Demographic Changes
1-Demographic Overview: Population growth was low due to the sharp decline of birth rate and low mortality. Between 2001 and 2009, it grew because of foreign immigration. 2-Migratory Movements: Domestic and foreign immigration of Spaniards ceased after 1975. On the other hand, it grew between 1995 and 2008 due to the economic growth of Spain.
Economic Developments
1-Agricultural Activities: Only a small number of people. Industry: Reduced workers due to the modernization of technology. Service Sector: Provides 70% of the employment and the GDP.
Spain and European Union
Integration with Europe helped to consolidate the new democratic system, provided a market to Spanish products, and contributed to modernizing the society. Spain has to adapt its economy and welfare state to meet European levels, for this, Spain has received considerable community funding. Currently, Spain is ranked the second-largest EU state in area and the fifth in population.
Spain in the World
Spain was ranked 52nd position in area and 29 in population. Based on its economy, Spain is an intermediate power ranked 13 in GDP. It maintains close relations with other countries through migration and tourism. At a cultural level, Spain organizes important events, which promote a good image of the country.