The Collapse of the Franco Regime: 1973–1975

The Final Years of the Franco Dictatorship (1973–1975)

The Crisis of Continuity and the Carrero Blanco Assassination

The Franco regime failed to adapt to social demands within the changing international context, which ultimately precipitated its end. The crisis intensified with the appointment of Carrero Blanco as President in 1973. His role was intended to ensure the continuity of the regime after Franco's death. However, on December 20 of that year, Carrero Blanco was assassinated by ETA in a car bombing in Madrid.

This event widened the split between two factions:

• The Immobile (The Bunker): Those calling for strict continuity, opposed to change. This group, composed of military commanders and old Falangists, formed the "Bunker."
• The Overtures: Those who desired political change and liberalization.

The Arias Navarro Government and the Spirit of February 12

In January 1974, a new government was formed, headed by Carlos Arias Navarro. He attempted to reconcile the "Overtures" and the "Immobile." His program was summarized in the "Spirit of February 12," referring to a general speech calling for a limited political opening (overture). However, the ultras remained opposed to his efforts.

Growing Unrest and Opposition Movements

As unrest grew in 1973, student and worker protests intensified, and opposition groups began to consolidate their efforts.

Key Opposition Organizations:

• Assembly of Catalonia (1971): Established regionally, comprising all opposition groups. Its slogan was "Liberty, Amnesty, and Statute of Autonomy."
• Democratic Junta of Spain (1974): Established in Paris by the PCE (Spanish Communist Party) to advocate for a provisional government based on democratic rule.
• Convergence Platform (1975): Promoted by the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party), along with the UGT, PNV, and others.

In 1976, the Democratic Junta and the Convergence Platform merged their programs, forming the Platajunta.

Escalation of Political Violence and Repression

The final years of the dictatorship saw a severe escalation of political violence. ETA attacks increased, and new terrorist groups emerged, such as the ultra-left FRAP (Revolutionary Anti-Fascist Patriotic Front). This led to increased state repression.

In 1974, the young anarchist Salvador Puig Antich was executed. Later, more convictions were handed down against members of ETA and FRAP.

The Sahara Conflict and the Green March

During 1974–1975, Franco's health deteriorated significantly. While the dictator was unable to fully exercise his functions, the government faced the crisis in the Spanish Sahara.

The conflict centered on the Sahrawi Front Polisario, a nationalist organization established in 1973 that advocated for independence. Spain initially decided to accept decolonization and allow a referendum on self-determination.

However, King Hassan II of Morocco, with U.S. support (aimed at preventing the possible spread of Algerian influence), organized the Green March. Facing the danger of military conflict with Morocco, and prioritizing its relationship with the USA, Spain decided to yield.

The Madrid Accords were signed on November 14, 1975, transferring control of the Sahara to Morocco and Mauritania. This action resulted in an unresolved international conflict.

The Death of Franco and the End of the Regime

General Franco died on November 20, 1975. He left behind an obsolete regime in deep crisis. His hope of leaving Spain's future "tied and harnessed" quickly dissipated. The news of his death, famously disclosed by Arias Navarro, was received with great joy and immediately ushered in the transition to democracy in Spain.