Key Milestones and Figures of the Spanish Transition

Key Agreements and Legal Milestones

The Moncloa Pacts

The Moncloa Pacts were agreements signed in 1977 between the Spanish government, political parties, and unions. Their goal was to control the economic crisis and support the transition to democracy. They included economic reforms and social improvements.

The Political Reform Law

The Political Reform Law was passed in 1976. It was a key step to change the Franco dictatorship into a democracy. It allowed free elections, created a parliament with two houses, and gave more rights to citizens.

The Spanish Constitution of 1978

The Spanish Constitution of 1978 is the most important law in Spain today. It created a parliamentary monarchy, established basic rights and freedoms, and allowed autonomy for different regions, such as Catalonia or the Basque Country.

The Junta Democrática

The Junta Democrática was a group of political parties and individuals who opposed Franco’s dictatorship. They worked together to advocate for democracy, freedom, and elections in Spain during the 1970s.

The 23-F Coup Attempt

23-F refers to the day when a group of soldiers attempted a military coup against the democratic government. It failed because King Juan Carlos I defended democracy and the majority of the army did not support the coup.

Influential Figures of the Transition

• Adolfo Suárez: Originally the president of RTVE, he was chosen by King Juan Carlos I to serve as prime minister after Franco’s death. He was subsequently elected by the Spanish people in the first democratic elections.
• Felipe González: A lawyer born in Seville and a pivotal figure in the PSOE. He was arrested for participating in demonstrations against Franco, served as a deputy until 2004, and was the first socialist president of Spain after Francoism (1982–1996).
• Manuel Fraga: A lawyer born in Lugo who served as Minister of Tourism during the dictatorship. He later founded Alianza Popular (now the PP) and is recognized as a “father of the Constitution.”
• Santiago Carrillo: Born in Gijón, he was a prominent politician during the Franco era who lived in exile due to his communist beliefs. He led the PCE during the transition and contributed to the drafting of the Constitution.