The Turning Point: King Juan Carlos I's Role in the 23F Coup

In the early hours of February 24, 1981, Spain was thrust into a political crisis as an attempted military coup unfolded, known as the 23F coup. King Juan Carlos I, who had been a co-architect of Spain's democratic transition, found himself at a crucial juncture, navigating the treacherous waters of military insurrection and constitutional legitimacy. Around 2:30 AM, the King sent a telex to Lieutenant General Milans del Bosch, one of the main figures behind the coup, firmly expressing his opposition to the uprising. The importance of this moment has been underscored by various reports, still classified and partially declassified after more than three decades. The communication included five key points, clearly stating the King’s resolve to uphold the constitutional order, stating, "Any coup détat cannot use the king as a shield. It is against the king, and I order you to withdraw all units you have mobilized." This decisive message came after hours of ambiguity and tension. Shortly before sending the telex, Juan Carlos had appeared on television in a statement that inadvertently left room for interpretation. He mentioned that any military action would need the approval of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a statement that some critics argue demonstrated a certain degree of reticence or indecision. Alberto Oliart, the then Minister of Defense, later remarked in a closed parliamentary session that the King's actions during the coup can be summarized as "decisive." He praised the monarch for his exemplary exercise of power and his protection of popular sovereignty. However, this view contrasts sharply with that of several analysts and historians, including Javier Cercas, author of 'Anatomy of an Instant.' Cercas contended that the King acted only when it became evident that the coup was failing, raising questions about the leadership during the coup's earlier stages. The telex, which is now part of the contingent documents held by Congress, underscores the significance of timely and resolute decision-making at moments of crisis. While King Juan Carlos has often been credited with saving Spanish democracy that night, the discussions surrounding his actions reveal the complexity of leadership in uncertain political environments. Other documentation surrounding the coup, much of which remains classified, includes reports from the security head of Congress and transcripts from the Minister of Defense’s presentations to deputies. These documents detail the government's intelligence and response to the coup attempt, and all paint a vivid picture of the tense atmosphere of that historic day. Ultimately, the decisions made during those fraught hours remain a topic of heated debate. King Juan Carlos I's telex serves as a defining statement against a backdrop of military rebellion, one that questioned the resilience of Spain's young democracy. The King's late-night intervention, asserting that he could not turn back from his commitment to the constitutional order, marked a pivotal moment in the country's transition from dictatorship to democracy, affecting the future trajectory of Spanish governance. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2