The article discusses a recently declassified document that criticizes the strategic errors made by the coup plotters during the failed coup of February 23, 1981, particularly regarding their treatment of King Juan Carlos I.
The article highlights the findings of declassified documents related to the failed coup d'état in Spain on February 23, 1981, specifically one that critiques the actions of the military officers involved. A key document, discovered in the possession of Lieutenant Colonel José Crespo Cuspinera, who was later convicted for his role in a conspiracy, identifies a significant miscalculation by the coup plotters: the failure to apprehend King Juan Carlos I and the assumption that he could be treated as a respected figure. It suggests that allowing the king to remain free contributed to the coup's failure.
The manuscript in question expresses the belief that the King was attempting to form a government with socialists, framing him as not just a symbol but an obstacle that needed to be eliminated. This perspective reflects the complex relationship between the monarchy and military elements during a critical period in Spain's transition to democracy. The document presents a glimpse into the mindset of those involved in the coup, revealing their underestimation of the king's influence and their overreliance on military force as a means to resolve political issues.
By analyzing these documents, the article underscores the lessons learned from the 23-F coup attempt and the importance of examining historical narratives for contemporary political discourse in Spain. The ongoing discussion about the monarchy's role in the country's political landscape resonates with ongoing debates about democratic governance and the legacy of authoritarianism in Spanish history.
