12. Democratic governments (1979-2000)
I. UCD government of 1977 to Calvo Sotelo. The coup of 23F.
After the adoption of the constitution, the CDU again won the 1979 election with a narrow margin. The results showed that there were two major parties, the UCD and PSOE. Advanced nationalist parties and the extreme right getting a seat. But the municipal elections, the first of democracy were won selective left: the big cities came to power PSOE. The UCD tried to make a political reformer, but the lack of cohesion and pressure of the PSOE and the nationalist leadership became unviable.
After the Moncloa Pacts were made to the Status of Workers and the National Employment Agreement. More disputes accounted Incompatibilities Law, University Autonomy Act and the Statute of schools. The PSOE filed a motion to censure the government, according to the constitution would have to propose a candidate, Felipe Gonzalez. Smith passed the motion, but left very weak.
Since May 1980 the crisis deepened in September UCD and remodeled Suárez his government, a real government of concentration trends within the UCD. The situation was unworkable and the January 29, 1981 Smith resigned.
The inaugural session of the new president of the UCD, Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo, 23 February 1981, the country was struck by an attempted coup. Came under preparation time before reaction to the changes, and especially with the excuse of the legalization of the Communist Party (a betrayal of Suarez and the king himself), the autonomous and terrorism. A group of two hundred armed civil guards under the command of Lt. Col. Antonio Tejero, joined the Congress during the vote. At the same time, Valencia captain general revolts, Milans of Bosh.
The objectives of the coup were confusing and probably not entirely coincidental. The only clear that they had was to stop the democratic reforms. A key conspirator was General Alfonso Armada, military closely related to the royal family. Navy seemed to have the approval of the king. After a seemingly endless hours, the King addressed the nation on television in a brief statement, overruling the coup attempt. Before addressing the nation a government met with the secretaries of State and that all ministers were in Parliament, and consulted with the captains general of the Military Regions. Throughout the night English were attached to their transistors. The next day Tejero surrendered and ended the coup. The trial was lenient with the defendants. And today is to clarify some points, it is assumed that it was a minor hit, as a prelude to the really important that a government would do away with concentration, being informed both elements of the UCD and the PCE or the secret services.
Calvo Sotelo's government did not differ from that of Suarez. Divorce law was the most controversial, even by members of the UCD itself. University Autonomy Act was withdrawn. Calvo Sotelo also failed to prevail in his party, even Smith founded his own party. Tensions Nationalists increased after adoption of the Organic Law of the Autonomy Process Harmonization-LOAPA ", which was contested by nationalists who believed that withdrawing alaautonomía granting the constitution. It was corrected in part by the Constitutional Court.
Bad luck pursued the Government in May 1981 saw the hospitals filled with patients with some unknown symptoms. The "toxic syndrome" would cause almost a thousand dead and the survivors would drag painful fallout from the ingestion of adulterated rapeseed oil. And he had to face the responsibility for "Almería case: three young men murdered by the police who mistook ETA activists.
Amid the disarray, Calvo Sotelo managed to get to Spain in NATO, amid widespread opposition and attempted integration into the EEC. Calvo Sotelo ahead of the elections.
These are the years of the unveiling, after deletion of censorship shows. The church lost its former influence. Lost the traditional values \u200b\u200band embracing new ways of life. The spirit of tolerance. Is the revival of local cultures and nationalities. They are also the years of a new rural exodus and the insecurity and the entry of the drug (heroin).
II. The end of the government of the UCD. The governments of Felipe González
The UCD lost their energies for their divisions. The PSOE was preparing for the conquest of power, starting to modernize the party ideologically. It leaves the dogmatism "You have to be before the Marxist socialist" (Felipe González, 1979). Workers and regionalist discourse served to end the UCD, but changed his strategy to become a mass party of young politicians not tainted by the Franco regime. The advance of victory came in the municipal elections of 1982 Andalusia. The electoral campaign promising clean government, social policy, a referendum on remaining in NATO, 800 000 jobs and "Change." The elections were held on October 28, 1982, amid general enthusiasm (abstention of only 20%). The PSOE won an absolute majority (202 deputies to 350). Benefited from the decline in UCD and the crisis of PCE (resignation, resigned and replaced Santiago Carrillo Gerardo Iglesias). Manuel Fraga managed to become leader of the opposition People's Alliance. CiU and PNV was reaffirmed as the main nationalist forces.
1. Economic changes.
The December 3, 1982, as President Felipe Gonzalez, Alfonso War is vice president formed the first socialist government. The absolute majority enabled them to carry out a policy without compromise or negotiation. So quickly, "economy first", faced the unpopular decision of the "industrial reconversion." The serious economic situation inherited (inflation, budget deficit ...) led the economic team (Boyer Finance Solchaga in Industry) to literal cutting measures, a tough adjustment policy. Evaluation of the peseta, the closure of many factories, especially steel, shipbuilding and home appliances ... Besides reducing early retirement and templates. Northern industrial regions (Basque Country, Santander, Asturias) were the most affected by the conversion program, which led to a period of violent strikes and riots, in which he accused the PSOE of betraying the electorate. However
not nationalized anything except the mains, and the INI enterprises were privatized, for example SEAT. What provoked a stronger reaction was the expropriation of RUMASA holding a maze of twenty five hundred banks and industrial and agricultural enterprises, owned by Jose Maria Ruiz Mateos, whose operations did not meet corporate orthodoxy and threatened with bankruptcy. The right wing considered him a true robbery, but the banks supported it. The companies were rapidly privatized. A similar case was that of Banca Catalana.
As a result of low economic growth, employment continued to fall, from 16% unemployment passed 22% in 1985, the highest in the European Community. The government's action focused on employment promotion programs, retirement plans and labor market flexibility. Be aware that the workforce is the highest in the century to reach adulthood of the baby boom generations.
continued fiscal reform, improved management, tax inspectors, raising taxes and persecution fraud. The reorganization measures had positive effects as the decline in inflation, which coincided with the decline in oil prices and a falling dollar, which allowed some recovery of the commercial Bonaz. However, the real wage loss seriously threatened the lives of workers and trade unions that had supported wage moderation pacts with employers and the government took to the streets. UGT, PSOE union close to finally confront him.
subsistence The biggest problem was in Extremadura and Andalusia, and to improve the situation of day laborers, was established, the Plan Rural Employment (PER), which provided some funds to municipalities to hire workers to do work in their municipalities. The allocation of subsidies raised suspicions of fraud and the opposition accused the Socialists of creating captive patronage-vote.
social protection policy or welfare state search was delayed for more and was less than perfect. Began in the eighties, but did not accelerate until after 1988. The major problem was unemployment and unemployment protection. Pension, health and unemployment became the foundations of social spending trs English.
Since the entry into the EEC, foreign investment pushed the economy and unemployment began to decline. Increased income from tourism, banking ... It introduced the new Value Added Tax (VAT), reduced the deficit and increased the purchasing power of citizens. Big business and increasing real estate speculation threatened the economy. Entry into the European Monetary System led to a high interest rates that attracted foreign Spain. But money flows are not geared to the industry but to the speculation ("culture of pitch").
movements consolidation is initiated to improve the "competitiveness", mergers banks (eg Argentaria) and ended with an "ostentatious display of money": Spain was "a country where more and faster you could make money" (C. Solchaga, Minister of Economy).
This relative prosperity allowed the socialists to extend social benefits and increased costs of Social Security, introduced non-contributory pensions. To solve the unemployment of those seeking their first job in some regions was attempted a "social wage". They also increased the infrastructure (AVE). The
of 92 annals cost too much to a country in economic crisis and three million unemployed. The peseta was devalued three times and broke the multinational KIO. The Maastricht Treaty required many financial sacrifices that began to distrust the European project.
2. Social change.
- Educational Reform: Jose M ª Maravall, Minister of Education launched a reform to match the English educational system of the EEC countries and adapt to autonomy. The LODE (1984) would impose public control of private schools "concluded." To hinder the application of the law there were numerous demonstrations supported by the Church, which owns an extensive network of private schools. Then would come the LRU (University Reform Act) and approved in 1990 LOGSE, which extended to 16 years of compulsory schooling and applied the principle of comprehensive education.
- Relations with the church. It fell into disrepair, but was aware that a confrontation with the PSOE was used as an electoral weapon on the right, and it was evident that the conservatism of the church authorities. The decriminalization of abortion, prohibition of use of catechisms in schools without official authorization and how to deal with religious issues by the media and state education legislation were the battles. Besides the support of the thesis Basque bishops of determination close to ETA.
- Modified the Civil Code and Criminal Procedure Law. Also fundamental institutions were reformed the army and state administration. One of the great successes of the PSOE was channeling the patriotism of the army to defend democracy. It strengthened the defense ministry with numerous political office and established a new disciplinary regime, was abolished by the Council of Military Justice. This is the supremacy of civilian power. The truth is that saber rattling subsided.
3. External relations. Following
electoral guidelines "country Western Europe, with a strong and clear Mediterranean Latin American vocation. " Improved relations with Europe (opening the gate of Gibraltar), and culminated with the entry of Spain into the EEC, despite the interference of France and thanks to U.S. pressure and support from Germany .-.
"NATO entry no" was the PSOE's electoral slogan that had pledged to hold a referendum to withdraw from NATO, but Gonzalez realized that the withdrawal of NATO was not conducive to his government and had to rectify and enforce party discipline. Moran replaced by Fernandez Ordonez and after great expectation referendum was held with the government turned on each other, and the opposition of the right to defend one abstention illogical. Pacifist associations, groups of intellectuals disillusioned citizens joined a large anti-NATO movement. The referendum was won by the government (60% of voters, 53% Yes) using innuendo can not enter the EEC, or Olympic Games ... And he promised not to go into the military structure. Was a pragmatic, reason of state ideology against the PSOE and stripped of his image on the left, badly damaged by its neoliberal policies.
The integration of Spain into the EEC was the appearance more important. On June 12, 1985 was signed accession. the adaptation period included between 1986 and 1993, in which tariffs gradually disappeared, although it lost the benefits of preferential treatment. In return they had the advantage of the cohesion funds and other aid for development. Then comes the Treaty of Maastricht (1992), which is giving way to the European Union.
4. The political evolution.
In the 1986 elections, the PSOE lost more than a million votes, but retained its absolute majority. The Popular Party (now the People's Coalition) did not get the votes of the UCD Fraga was replaced by Hernandez Mancha, who did not provide anything new. The Communists were refocused in the United Left and won 7 seats. PNV problems, ended up dividing Esko Alkartasuna (Basque Solidarity, EA), favored the rise of Herri Batasuna. In the Basque elections the PNV had to agree with the PSOE.
Amid the tranquility of the majority of students began a strike first against the curriculum and then against overcrowding. In February 1987, Madrid, Barcelona, \u200b\u200bValencia ... The government finally agreed to negotiate.
By contrast, the unions rejected the government's economic policy. The UGT was separated from the government, Nicholas round left his seat. UGT and CCOO, unity of action, accusing the government of promoting recovery with a high social cost, and called a general strike on December 14, 1988. However, the PSOE did not stop again win the general election and that government and unions move away positions. A general strike in May 1992.
The problem of ETA terrorism has not found a solution, despite government attempts to create fissures providing social reintegration to their members (eg Yoyes). The party opposed to ETA violence signed Ajuria Enea Pact to end violence. In this context, the Government initiated in 1989 with talks in Algiers ETA address. Increased police cooperation with France. Since 1989 the Ministry emphasized the dispersal of ETA prisoners. It is also the time of the dirty war against ETA, the GAL case. It went
wear socialist vote. The right wing was reorganized into the People's Party, with a new leader, José María Aznar, and a center-right orientation. Izquierda Unida wear benefited from the Socialists was far away. Serious problems were influence peddling, which undermined the prestige of the ruling party and the Public Safety Act. Corruption related primarily to the PSOE because of the immense power of an absolute majority, but there are irregularities in other areas. The vice president of government had to resign, and divided the party between guerristas and Philip.
political corruption scandals were creating a climate of "tension" both media (talk radio, mostly) as a policy in parliament. The case of Juan Guerra, brother of the vice president of government, that of Mariano Rubio, the governor of the Bank of Spain and especially the director of the Civil Guard, Luis Roldan, honesty questioned the policy of the charges and that of those who appointed or should control. The Case Files, meanwhile showed off a pattern of illegal financing of the PSOE. The PP opposition took advantage of all these scandals to systematically harass the government.
Other important aspects were the Gulf War have raised the peace movement also held to protest against the military. 93 elections were closely contested and highly aggressive. Socialists won but lost their majority. Instead of a United Left coalition chose to seek parliamentary support to conservative nationalism of the PNV and CiU. Failed to reach a coalition government, which Jordi Pujol came to have an important bearing on national politics. The PSOE also faced scandals and financial division of the guerristas party. To end the strike took out a policy of temporary contracts, the "garbage contracts" and the UGT and CCOO called third strike with little success.
III. The Popular Party victory in 1996.
In the 1996 general elections the Popular Party won a relative majority, so they needed the support of nationalist parties (CiU, PNV, Canary Coalition.) The government's action in this first term had a spirit of moderation and negotiation, on fears that the return of the Conservatives could be a democratic regression. This marked the confirmation of the right as a democratic alternative, with ministers from the former UCD or a younger generation.
Conducted a social policy initiated dialogue with the unions and an approach to the nationalists, who depended on government stability. However, there was a worsening of the Basque question. In foreign policy objective was the achievement of monetary integration of Spain into the European Euro. Was abolished compulsory military service.
There were also significant advances in the fight against terrorism, through the dismantling command and social mobilization in the Basque Country and the rest of Spain. The most spectacular was the assassination of PP councilor Miguel Angel Blanco. But the attacks continued after the truce of ETA (1998/99). In the Basque Country the progress achieved PP voters and change the PNV radicalized their positions with HB signing the Pact of Estella or Lizarra that aimed to self-determination of Euskadi.
The good economic situation in Europe and the successful incorporation of the European Union allowed Spain to announce an era of expansion, growing annually by more than 3%, falling unemployment and rising employment, but on a temporary basis and precarious. It has also pursued a policy of privatization of public companies (Endesa, Tobacco, Repsol, Telefónica ...), thus helping to balance budgets.
1. The absolute majority government.
elections in March 2000 the PP won an absolute majority. The new government led by Aznar also able to develop the objectives of its election without the need for more dialogue and opted for confrontation: educational reform (Law on Quality in Education, University Reform Act), labor (cutting and labor rights PER), the Aliens Act, which caused considerable social unrest (strikes Overall, 2002). Likewise, the Basque government relations achieved great political tension. As also happened in the case of the Prestige.
economic growth slowed, not fulfilling the reduction of inflation and efforts to achieve a zero deficit in the budget, making certain public services deteriorated. In foreign policy, there was a radical change in foreign alliances, the United States closer to the detriment of traditional European alignment. Serious example was the support for the intervention in Iraq.
Apparently, besides the rejection of the government's position on the war, before the problem Prestige, and especially the brutal attack of 11-M and doubts about the information provided by the government, which initially kept the authorship of ETA, led a majority vote to the PSOE in the elections of 14-M, 2004.
