The article discusses the political implications of the recent declassification of documents related to the 23-F coup d'état in Spain, emphasizing that the revelations primarily benefit current political leaders, notably Juan Carlos I and Pedro Sánchez. The concept of an 'empty secret,' introduced by sociologist George Simmel in 1908, is used to highlight the paradox of the coup's historical narrative, where the existence of a 'secret' is acknowledged, yet it is ultimately devoid of substantial content. In this context, the article argues that although much remains unknown about the events of that fateful night in February 1981, the prevailing narrative suggests an illusion of full understanding that is not grounded in the complete historical record.

The discussion points to the need for further investigation into the events that transpired during the coup attempt, suggesting that what remains undisclosed from that night has been largely overlooked by historians and researchers. This oversight is seen as a reflection of the complexities involved in interpreting historical events, particularly those that have significant political repercussions. By framing the coup as an 'empty secret,' the article implies that while surface-level details may emerge from declassified documents, they do not provide a definitive or complete picture of the realities that unfolded during the coup.

The implications of this analysis highlight the ongoing challenges in understanding the past and the ways in which political leaders can manipulate historical narratives to serve contemporary agendas. As Spain continues to grapple with its democratic past, the revelations surrounding the 23-F coup remind citizens of the importance of critically engaging with history rather than accepting simplified or sanitized versions of events.