A soldier involved in the February 23, 1981 takeover of TVE recounts the events and orders he received during the intervention, as revealed in recently declassified government documents.
On February 23, 1981, military forces took control of TVE, the Spanish public broadcaster, during a coup attempt. One of the soldiers involved shared details of the operation in a phone conversation that was recently declassified by the Spanish government. In this conversation, he mentioned they were under strict orders not to speak to anyone and were prepared for possible violence, indicating a tense atmosphere during the takeover. The soldier’s account highlights the chaos and urgency of the situation as they were mobilized, armed, and given explicit instructions regarding their conduct.
This declassified information sheds light on the internal dynamics of the coup attempt, which aimed to overturn Spain's fledgling democracy following the Franco dictatorship. Soldiers, who were previously expected to uphold the democratic order, found themselves in a position of potential aggression, illustrating the complexities of loyalty and orders in a volatile political environment. The soldier's recollection of their readiness to act—echoed in the ominous mention of shooting—reflects the high stakes and uncertainty that characterized that historical moment.
Such revelations serve as a reminder of the precariousness of democratic systems and the role military forces can play during political crises. The declassification of these documents contributes to historical understanding of the events surrounding the coup attempt, allowing for deeper insights into the psychological and operational aspects of those involved. Moreover, it emphasizes the ongoing need for transparency and accountability in governmental actions during times of political upheaval.
