Spain's Transition to Democracy: 1977-2004

First Elections and the UCD Government

The first elections saw a majority for the UCD (Union of the Democratic Centre), led by Adolfo Suárez, with the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party), led by Felipe González, as the main opposition. Other significant parties included the PCE (Communist Party of Spain), led by Santiago Carrillo, and the AP (People's Alliance), led by Manuel Fraga.

The first UCD government took several key actions:

• It appointed a committee to draft a new constitution.
• It addressed the economic crisis by signing the Moncloa Pacts, aimed at modernizing the Spanish economy and increasing social security contributions.
• It implemented a tax reform.
• It decreed a second amnesty.

The 1978 Constitution

The 1978 Constitution established Spain as a social and democratic state with a parliamentary monarchy. It acknowledged the existence of nationalities and regions, affirmed the sovereignty of the people, and guaranteed equality before the law. It also established the division of powers:

• Legislative branch: Congress and Senate
• Executive branch: Government
• Judicial branch: Courts

The Constitution also recognized the right to strike and established the Constitutional Court.

First Statutes of Autonomy

In 1977, the Basque Country legalized the Ikurriña flag, and amnesties were granted. Through negotiations, the General Basque Council was formed. Statutes of Autonomy were elaborated for Catalonia and the Basque Country. In 1978, Galicia formed the Xunta de Galicia, and in 1981, its Statute of Autonomy was approved. Eventually, 17 autonomous communities were regulated by their respective Statutes of Autonomy.

Suárez's Second Government and the Rise of Terrorism

New elections were won by the UCD. However, difficulties, including economic and labor unrest, led to increased terrorism. The UCD experienced a decline in support, particularly in Catalonia and the Basque Country.

Enemies of democracy, such as ETA, GRAPO, and FRAP (anti-capitalist groups), increased their terrorist activities between 1977 and 1981.

The 1981 Coup Attempt

Following a motion of censure against Suárez by the Socialists, he resigned and was replaced by Calvo Sotelo. On February 23, 1981, a coup attempt took place in Congress. Lieutenant Colonel Tejero took the chamber and held members of parliament hostage for a day. Simultaneously, General Milans del Bosch occupied Valencia with tanks. The objective was to restrict democracy and revise the Constitution. King Juan Carlos I and some loyal soldiers stopped the coup.

After the coup attempt, the UCD collaborated with the PSOE on several initiatives, including the 1981 Divorce Law and the 1982 LOAPA (Organic Law on the Harmonization of the Autonomy Process). Spain also joined NATO in 1986.

The Socialist Stage (1982-1996)

The PP (People's Party), led by José María Aznar, became the main opposition. The Socialist government implemented several reforms:

• Improved public services and benefits.
• Promoted public works, such as the High-Speed Train, the Universal Exposition in Seville, and the Olympic Games in Barcelona.
• Signed the Ajuria Enea Pact in 1988 with France.
• Made education compulsory up to 16 years.
• Legalized abortion.
• Authorized private television channels.

On June 12, 1985, Spain signed the treaty to join the European Economic Community.

Crisis and the End of the Socialist Era

The Socialist government faced a crisis marked by corruption and police complicity in the dirty war against ETA (GAL). The PP mounted a strong opposition. The PP won the elections on March 3, 1996. Mandatory military service was abolished, and a professional army was created. In 1997, Spain joined the military structure of NATO. Relations with nationalist parties worsened, leading to the breaking of the Ajuria Enea Pact. In 2000, the PP, with an absolute majority, aligned more closely with the US and intervened in Iraq. On March 11, 2004, Madrid suffered a terrorist bombing.