Antonio Tejero, the figure behind the 1981 attempted coup in Spain, has passed away at the age of 93, with a private funeral attended by family and a few nostalgic supporters.
Antonio Tejero, the man infamous for leading the 1981 attempted coup in Spain, died at the age of 93 in Alzira, Valencia. Tejero's death coincided with the Spanish government's declassification of files related to the coup attempt, a historic event that has left a lasting mark on Spanish democracy. His passing has evoked mixed reactions in Spain, particularly given the contentious legacy of the coup, which many still view with reverence and others with disdain.
Tejero's funeral took place in Xàtiva, attended by family and friends, along with a small number of individuals paying tribute to his controversial role in Spanish history, such as the nostalgic shout of "¡viva Tejero!" during the service. This reflects the ongoing ideological divides in Spain regarding figures from the Franco era and events like the coup. The attendance of even a few supporters at his funeral highlights the complexities of national memory and the varying perspectives on what Tejero represents to different segments of society.
In the broader context, the timing of Tejero's death and the declassification of government documents from the 1981 coup provides an opportunity for reflection on Spain's political evolution since that pivotal moment. The discussions surrounding Tejero's actions and the government's handling of the coup's legacy continue to resonate today, revealing divisions in Spanish society regarding history and accountability. As Spain continues to navigate its past, the legacy of figures like Tejero remains a point of contention.
