The 23rd of February marks the 44th anniversary of one of the most significant events in recent Spanish history—the attempted coup known as the ‘Tejerazo.’ On this day back in 1981, Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero Molina and nearly 200 armed military personnel stormed the Congress of Deputies during the investiture session of Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo, who was awaiting confirmation as Prime Minister. The event lasted approximately 18 hours, causing widespread panic and uncertainty throughout the nation.
It was around 18:23 when Tejero, with his now-infamous shout of "¡Quieto todo el mundo!" ("Everyone on the floor!"), initiated what would become one of the defining moments of modern Spanish democracy. Deputies present during the siege, including the then members of parliament and representatives from various political parties, were held at gunpoint, seized by the palpable fear of losing their hard-won democratic rights.
The political climate of the time was fraught with tension. Spain had only recently transitioned from dictatorship to democracy, and the prospect of military action elicited deep fears about returning to authoritarian rule. Many Spaniards tuned their radios to catch news of the events, often described as the 'night of the transistors,' where updates were traded as people struggled to make sense of the chaos.
After what seemed like hours of uncertainty, the situation began to de-escalate when King Juan Carlos I addressed the nation on television, firmly denouncing the coup attempt and reasserting his commitment to democracy. This statement proved pivotal, as it rallied public support and quelled potential unrest. Within hours, Tejero and his associates found themselves increasingly isolated as their actions garnered condemnation from both political leaders and citizens alike.
Tejero eventually surrendered early on the 24th of February, after realizing the coup had failed. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his actions but only served 15 years before being released on parole. Now, at the age of 92, Tejero resides quietly away from the public eye, living near Málaga, having suffered the loss of his wife, Carmen, last year.
Reflecting on the events of 1981, former UCD deputy Francisco Ruiz Risueño recounted the terrifying moments inside the Congress as Tejero took control. His description paints a vivid picture of fear and uncertainty; he remembers having to lie on the floor, terrified at the thought of armed assailants firing at them. "I felt disappointed as a Spaniard to see the Civil Guard assaulting popular sovereignty and harming all Spaniards," Risueño stated, capturing the somber weight of the moment.
Tejero’s plan during the coup, as uncovered later, was more sinister than it first appeared. According to accounts, he even expressed intentions to set fire to the Congress to eliminate evidence of transgressions against the government’s authority should they face lighting outages. This chilling detail highlights the disarray and perilousness of the moment, as lawmakers could have faced even greater dangers had the situation spiraled out of control.
Following the failed coup, Spain took significant steps to secure its democracy. It united various political factions across the spectrum to reaffirm their commitment to the constitutional order. Demonstrations across the nation, particularly following the coup, called for democracy and the rule of law, resulting in mass public gatherings opposing military intervention.
Despite its historical weight, the current memory of the 23F coup has begun to fade over the decades. People may recall its details during commemorative dates, but the emotional resonance tied to it has diminished amid other urgent political discussions. Various politicians today view the events with nostalgia, recalling how close Spain came to losing everything it fought for to maintain freedom and democracy.
Tejero’s quiet life post-coup has not been without its controversies. His sporadic reappearances include letters criticizing various governmental policies, indicating he has remained politically active, albeit from the sidelines. Yet, many Spaniards view him merely as a relic of the past—a symbol of the struggles they overcame every time they cast their votes.
The anniversary of the 23F incident serves not only as remembrance of the past but also as reflection on Spain’s resilience and capacity for growth. While lessons from this chapter of history linger, it carries weight as contemporary political debates abound with new challenges, drifting ever more dangerously close to threats of political extremism. The historical perspective of the 1981 coup provides invaluable insight for today’s political climate.
What happened during the 23F coup was not simply the act of some rogue military officers; it illuminated the fragile fabric of democracy and the necessity for unity among diverse political groups. It highlighted the unwavering resolve of the Spanish people and their commitment to safeguard and nurture the democracy they had embraced after years of repression.
Today, as Spain reflects on this 44th anniversary, citizens are reminded of the significance of vigilance, the power of collective memory, and the bravery necessary to maintain and protect democratic values. While the echoes of 1981 fade, the lessons remain ever potent—a reminder of the vigilance required to safeguard values many Europeans take for granted.