The wife of Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero referred to her husband derogatorily during the attempted coup in Spain on February 23, 1981, as newly released archival documents reveal her desperate attempts to contact him.
Carmen Díez Pereira, the wife of Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero, used derogatory terms such as "fool" and "wretched" dozens of times during conversations detailing her frantic attempts to reach her husband amid the 1981 coup attempt in Spain. Newly declassified documents disclosed by the government include transcripts from these conversations, illustrating the emotional turmoil and desperation faced by those connected to the military figure during the chaotic events of February 23, 1981.
Throughout the discussions recounted in the transcripts, Carmen reveals her efforts to communicate with her husband by attempting to contact prominent military leaders, expressing her need for assistance in reaching Tejero. Her interactions with individuals linked to the state reflected the turmoil both within the military ranks and the families of those involved, painting a vivid picture of the crisis faced during the coup attempt. The transcripts highlight not only Carmen's frustration but also the broader societal implications of the attempted coup in Spain.
These declassified conversations provide a rare glimpse into the personal side of an event that had significant national ramifications, casting light on the experiences of family members of those involved in political and military turmoil. The language used by Carmen depicts deep feelings of abandonment and concern for her husband, while also symbolizing the larger struggle and instability experienced in Spain during a critical moment in its democratic history.
