The Regency of Maria Cristina and the Long Parliament (1886-1890)

The Regency of Maria Cristina

The political system established by Cánovas during the Restoration consolidated following the death of Alfonso XII, addressing the institutional vacuum left by the absence of a male heir. Maria Cristina held the regency until her posthumous son, Alfonso XIII, reached the age of majority. The Pact of El Pardo, an agreement between Cánovas and Sagasta, determined the rotation of parties and solidified the political foundation of the Regency.

The Long Parliament (1886–1890)

The Long Parliament earned its name due to its extended duration. It began with the resignation of Cánovas and the appointment of Sagasta as Prime Minister, ending when the Conservative Party returned Cánovas to the head of government. This Liberal administration consolidated the regime initiated by Cánovas, providing stability to the Restoration through legislative and institutional developments under the Constitutions of 1876 and 1869.

Key Liberal Reforms

• Law of Associations: Regulated workers' associations and religious congregations, facilitating the birth of the PSOE and the UGT.
• Universal Suffrage: Granted voting rights to men over 25 years of age who had resided in a municipality for at least two years.

Additional legislative achievements included the Jury Act and efforts to attract Republican support.

Foreign Policy and International Relations

Moret issued a circular to diplomatic representatives expressing Spain's desire for a stronger international presence. Key developments included:

• Hispanic-Italian Agreement: Clashes with France over Morocco led to closer ties with Italy to defend Mediterranean interests.
• Triple Alliance Integration: While Spain sought full integration, Germany and Austria-Hungary declined, resulting in a bilateral Italo-Spanish agreement.
• Diplomatic Stance: Spain committed to not signing treaties against Italy, Germany, or Austria-Hungary, marking a significant step in its international standing.