Antonio Tejero, the retired lieutenant colonel of the Civil Guard who was a key figure in the infamous coup d'état attempt in Spain on February 23, 1981, has passed away. His death coincided with a moment when the Spanish government declassified several documents pertaining to that historic event, reigniting public interest and discourse regarding the attempted coup. Among the newly unveiled documents are intelligence reports that shockingly indicate that six members of the security services were involved in the coup, raising critical questions about the extent of complicity within Spain's military and government institutions during that era.

The documents also include handwritten notes from military officers that highlight some of the miscalculations made by the coup leaders, particularly the decision to leave King Juan Carlos I unharmed, which they identified as a significant misstep. These revelations not only provoke a sense of nostalgia for a tumultuous period in Spanish history but also inspire fear over the potential lingering ideologies that still exist in some factions of the military establishment today. The plan for the coup was meticulously laid out in documents from late 1980, showcasing a blend of civilian, military, and hybrid operation strategies aimed at overtaking the government.

In the wake of Tejero's death, public discourse has turned to reflect on the persistent scars left by the coup attempt, with many questioning the relationship between contemporary Spain and its historical events. The use of both humorous and serious tones in response to the declassification has sparked debates about national identity and memory, hinting at a collective disappointment over the unresolved issues related to Spain's democratic evolution since the death of Franco.