The Crown and the Transition to Democracy in Spain

The Crown and the Transition to Democracy

Introduction and Institutional History

The political character of the speech delivered on 22 November 1975, in which Juan Carlos de Borb on proclaimed himself King of Spain, still stands among the most significant events of the period. The Cortes General had been sworn in two days earlier, and the provisions in force were largely Francoist legislation. The disappearance of the dictator meant that Spain would establish a constitutional parliamentary monarchy, which contrasted with the institutions of the dictatorship.

The speech marked the beginning of a new phase in the history of Spain. The crown would play a vital role in the political future of the country, and its main task would be to become a guarantor of consensus among all Spaniards, in line with the parliamentary monarchies of Europe and respectful of Spain's regional particularities.

The Transition to Democracy

Once the dictator had died, the question was whether to maintain the Francoist system or to establish a democratic regime. It was impossible for most Spaniards to swim against the tide in Europe, and the move from an authoritarian regime to a democratic one was relatively easy. Although the people did not always follow their leaders, they accepted the reformist option proposed by the president, Adolfo Su ee1rez. The democratic reform was carried out in a peaceful manner, and the consolidation of democracy would face economic crisis from 1979 onward.

Spain's democratic restoration was initially an international transition, and its principal insertion into political organizations such as NATO and the Council of Europe broke its isolation from the outside world.

Causes of the Crisis of Francoism

It was evident that the general political system could not survive the death of its founder. Significant political forces and most people demanded change, and even the legal framework of the regime made this possible. The causes of the crisis were:

• Institutional causes. Franco had given the Organic Law of the State the rules that dictated supreme power, and the legal and governmental functions were concentrated in the Cortes, the president of the government, and the head of state. Franco's constitutional character was contradictory to these laws.
• Policy causes. The regime's policies could not guarantee continuity, and the Francoist system could not persist.
• Socio-economic conditions. In 1975 Spain was no longer an industrial power of the first rank. Foreign currency and tourism were the main sources of income, and the economy demanded new policies, as the underdevelopment of the economy had left the regime unable to respond.
• External causes. The fall of the Portuguese dictatorship in 1974, the demands of the European Community, and the reforms of the Second Vatican Council made it difficult for Francoism to survive.

The Political Options

Before Franco's death, four political alternatives were presented: continuing the Francoist system, a rupture with sudden dismantling of the system, breaking with the powers that agreed with the facts, and a final reform through the legality of Francoism itself.

A rupture and sudden dismantling of the system was supported by part of the opposition, while the democratic opposition, grouped in the Platform of Democratic Convergence, sought a break with the powers that agreed with the facts. The first minority, led by high personalities of the regime, sought reform. Adolfo Su ee1rez was soon named president of the government, while the prisoners of the so-called bunker remained in a state of immobility.