Spain's Transition to Democracy: History and Key Events

The Spanish Transition to Democracy

The period of transition in the history of Spain started with the death of Francisco Franco in 1975. The events that unfolded enabled the transition from a dictatorial regime to a democratic regime. The PSOE's electoral victory in 1982 was the event that culminated in the transition to a fully democratic society. The basic feature that characterized the performance of most political groups during these years was the desire for consensus. However, there was no complete rupture with the Franco dictatorship as leftist forces wanted; instead, the political system was reformed without breaking completely with the previous stage.

The Government of Arias Navarro

On November 22, 1975, Juan Carlos de Borbón swore loyalty to the principles of the National Movement and the Fundamental Laws before the Spanish Cortes. Carlos Arias Navarro was confirmed as head of government and appointed a cabinet with some new ministers, aiming to give an apparent air of openness to the new political situation. Three ministers had close personal connections with large multinational companies, offering assurances that their willingness to promote political change would not interfere with the basic interests of dominant economic groups.

The months of this government were marked by great unrest: there was a wave of strikes that combined wage claims with demands for political freedoms. The Arias government responded basically with very harsh repression. Consequently, the opposition coordinated and established key points for the restoration of democracy, forming the so-called Platajunta (a combination of the Democratic Junta and the Democratic Platform).

The Political Reform of Adolfo Suárez

His appointment surprised everyone at first. He was a young former government minister of Falangist origin, yet contrary to repression. The transition was made possible in part by the willingness and ability of Adolfo Suárez, who was able to carry out political reform. Suárez initiated dialogue with the opposition and resisted pressure from the far-right. He prompted some resignations of senior military officials. Suárez sent his draft of the Political Reform Act to Parliament and got it passed in October 1976.

This replaced the old Francoist courts with others chosen by universal suffrage to develop a constituent process. It paved the way for the legalization of political parties, initially excluding the Communist Party of Spain (PCE). The acceptance of this program by the Francoist Cortes has been described as its own self-dissolution.