Antonio Tejero, the former Guardia Civil officer notorious for leading Spain’s failed 1981 coup attempt, has died at the age of 93. Tejero’s dramatic hold-up of the Spanish parliament marked a pivotal moment in Spain’s modern democratic history, threatening to derail the country’s transition from dictatorship to democracy. His death closes a chapter on one of the most turbulent episodes in Spain’s post-Franco era.
Antonio Tejero’s Role in Spain’s 1981 Coup Attempt and Its Lasting Impact
On February 23, 1981, Antonio Tejero, a lieutenant colonel in the Civil Guard, attempted to overthrow Spain’s nascent democracy by storming the Congress of Deputies with armed officers. The audacious coup aimed to reverse the country’s transition from Francisco Franco’s dictatorship to a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. For several tense hours, Tejero and his followers held parliamentarians hostage, declaring control over the government. However, the coup faltered following King…
—-
Author : Olivia Williams
Publish date : 2026-02-26 14:53:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
—-
1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8
