Spain to Declassify 1981 Coup Documents on February 23

On February 23, 2023, Spain's leftist government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, will release classified documents pertaining to the failed coup attempt of February 23, 1981. This initiative is viewed as a significant step towards settling historical debts to citizens and fostering a deeper understanding of Spain's democratic transition.

The coup, which involved Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero Molina and the Civil Guard, saw lawmakers held at gunpoint for nearly 24 hours. The uprising ended when King Juan Carlos, the designated successor of Francisco Franco, publicly declared his support for democracy, leading to the arrest of General Alfonso Armada, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in the conspiracy.

Historian Javier Cercas noted that the coup's failure marked the end of two centuries of military intervention in Spanish politics. The declassification of these documents is expected to take effect the day after the formal approval by the cabinet.