Feb 25 β€’ 16:23 UTC πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Spain El Mundo

The Communist Party after the Coup: 'The extreme right wants to implicate the Monarchy and destroy it'

The Spanish Communist Party expressed its support for King Juan Carlos following the 1981 coup attempt, warning against the extreme right's involvement with the monarchy.

On May 11, 1981, the Spanish Communist Party (PCE) issued an internal statement in support of King Juan Carlos following the attempted coup on February 23rd (23-F). The document, which was classified for 45 years and recently made public by the Spanish government, revealed the PCE leaders' concerns that the extreme right aimed to undermine the monarchy as a democratic institution. The statement expressed a clear apprehension toward the potential manipulations by far-right elements, indicating a critical moment in Spain's political landscape during a turbulent period of its democratic transition.

The police report accompanying the PCE's statement offered further context about the atmosphere within the party after the coup attempt. It detailed the psychological impact on its members and the ongoing deliberations amongst its theorists. The Secretary General of the PCE, Santiago Carrillo, received confidential notes warning of the dangers of allowing the extreme right to gain influence, particularly concerning their relationship with the monarchy, which was seen as vital for stabilizing democracy in Spain.

This internal communication reflects the deep divisions and anxieties present in Spanish politics during the early 1980s, particularly about the threats posed by right-wing factions. The PCE's firm stance indicated its commitment to protecting the monarchy and maintaining democratic values, highlighting its role in Spain's broader political discourse at a time when the country was still reeling from the remnants of authoritarian rule and navigating its newfound democratic identity.

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