Adolfo Suárez's Government & Spain's Transition to Democracy

**Adolfo Suárez's Government: A New Era for Spain**

Political Reform (1976-1977)

Adolfo Suárez faced two major challenges upon assuming leadership. The first was political reform. The pivotal *Law for Political Reform*, amending Franco's legislation, established a bicameral Parliament with members elected by universal suffrage. Passed in 1976, this law paved the way for democratic elections. With the support of the opposition, Suárez succeeded in legalizing all political parties and trade unions. The June 1977 elections resulted in a majority for the Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD), Suárez's party.

Measures Against the Crisis

The UCD government proposed a policy of consensus, culminating in the signing of the *Moncloa Pacts* in 1977. These pacts involved an agreement between unions and the government. Unions agreed to wage moderation and increased employment flexibility. In return, the government committed to tax fraud reform and public expenditure restraint.

**The Constitution of 1978**

Adopted on December 6, 1978, the *Constitution of 1978* outlines the rights and duties of Spanish citizens.

Rights and Freedoms

The Constitution guarantees the enforcement of rights and freedoms through the Constitutional Court. These include:

• Civil Rights: Rules governing interpersonal relationships, such as the right to life and equality before the law.
• Social Rights: Affecting all citizens, such as Social Security.

Functioning of the State

Spain is defined as a social and democratic state governed by the rule of law. It is considered "social" because social interests predominate. It is "democratic" because it ensures citizen participation. National sovereignty resides in the people. The state's form is a parliamentary monarchy. The powers are divided as follows:

• Legislative: Cortes Generales (Congress of Deputies and Senate)
• Executive: Government
• Judicial: Courts

**A New Stage: The Socialist Government (2004-2007)**

Chaired by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, this period was characterized by significant policy shifts.

Policy Measures

• Foreign Policy: Withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq.
• Domestic Policy: Renovation of several statutes of autonomy and initiation of dialogue with ETA.

Economic Measures

Reductions in personal income tax were covered by a 6% increase in revenue, coupled with a reduction in corporate tax.

Social Measures

This period saw the approval of several landmark social laws:

• Legalization of same-sex marriage.
• *Law on Gender Equality*.
• *Dependency Act*: Recognizing the right of individuals unable to care for themselves to receive public assistance.