Spain Unveils Classified Documents on 1981 Coup Attempt Amid Historical Reflection

In a significant step towards transparency, the Spanish government has made 167 previously classified documents public, shedding light on the attempted military coup of 1981, known as the Tejero coup. This release coincides with the 45th anniversary of the coup, which took place on February 23, 1981, during a critical period in Spain's transition to democracy following the death of the dictator Francisco Franco. The coup was orchestrated by Antonio Tejero, a former lieutenant colonel, who passed away on the same day the documents were published. His actions were aimed at halting the burgeoning democratic process. However, the coup ultimately failed due to King Juan Carlos I's refusal to support the insurrection, a pivotal moment which would later define the monarchy's role in Spain's democratic evolution. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government justified the release of these documents as a move towards greater historical transparency and an effort to counter several conspiracy theories that have emerged over the years. Prominently, one of these theories suggests that King Juan Carlos may have had prior knowledge of the coup, a claim that was echoed by the coup plotters during the subsequent trial. During a press conference on February 24, ministers Pablo Bustinduy, Elma Saiz, and Óscar López discussed the contents of the documents, which were highly anticipated. The surge in public interest was so great that it temporarily overwhelmed the government website, forcing it offline due to the volume of visitors seeking access to this important historical record. While the documents do not appear to reveal any new significant information, they do highlight the involvement of six intelligence agents in Tejero's plans. Interestingly, they seem to work against the conspiracy theories surrounding the royal family's potential involvement. For example, a handwritten note attributed to the coup plotters indicated a critical error in their strategy was letting King Juan Carlos remain free, implying that they underestimated his commitment to the country's stability. Additionally, the documents include a transcript of a crucial phone call between the king and one of Tejero's associates, Milans del Bosch, a leader among the coup plotters in Valencia. In this tense exchange, King Juan Carlos sternly ordered del Bosch to withdraw his forces, famously stating, "I swear I will neither abdicate nor abandon Spain." As Spain continues to navigate the complexities of its democratic identity, the publication of these documents serves not only as a reflection on past events but also underscores the enduring importance of transparency in addressing historical narratives. The legacy of the Tejero coup remains relevant as Spain grapples with the challenges and triumphs of its democratic journey. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2