Antonio Tejero, the leader of a failed coup attempt in Spain in 1981, died recently at the age of 93. Tejero gained infamy when he stormed the Spanish parliament in Madrid with rebellious civil guards, holding members of parliament as hostages for nearly a day. This coup attempt occurred six years after the death of dictator Francisco Franco and was notably thwarted when King Juan Carlos I, Franco's designated successor, publicly rejected the coup and backed the democratic government.

Following the coup, Tejero was sentenced to 30 years in prison but served only 15 years before his release in 1996. His death comes on the same day that Spain's left-wing government released classified documents related to the events of February 23, 1981, casting new light on this tumultuous period in Spanish history. The timing of the announcement raises questions about the ongoing process of historical reckoning in Spain, particularly concerning the legacy of Franco and the transitions to democracy.

Tejero's death marks the passing of a significant figure in Spain’s political history, prompting reflections on the coup attempt's implications for Spain's democratic evolution and its current political landscape. His actions remain a reminder of the fragile state of democracy during that era and highlight the importance of accountability as the nation continues to grapple with its past.