Former Prime Minister Felipe González has publicly commended the actions of King Juan Carlos I during the attempted coup on February 23, 1981, which is referred to as 23-F. González described the King's role as 'exemplary' and 'decisive' in safeguarding the continuity of Spain's constitutional order. His remarks came amidst the release of classified documents from the coup attempt, highlighting the historical importance of transparency in governmental actions.

During a presentation in the Senate, attended by King Felipe VI and former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, González advocated for a law that would allow for the declassification of all official secrets, emphasizing the need for public access to historical records. He maintained that understanding the past is essential for the nation's democracy and trust in its institutions, reinforcing the significance of accountability in government actions.

González's comments are particularly notable as they come at a time when Spain is reflecting on its post-Franco democratic evolution. By defending Juan Carlos I's actions, González aims to reaffirm the monarchy's role in stabilizing Spain during a pivotal moment in its history, while concurrently underscoring the necessity for legal frameworks that ensure transparency in government dealings with historical repercussions.