Word: franco
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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...FRANCO LIES on his deathbed after 37 years of autocratic rule, the state he leaves behind confronts the problem of political change. Spain's future is ostensibly in the hands of Juan Carlos de Borbon, designated by Franco as the next king and currently exercising interim powers. Though Juan Carlos's public speeches proclaim the perpetuation of Franco's one-party state, he has long been thought to favor some liberal reforms, such as easing censorship and permitting greater political participation. But whether Juan Carlos's liberal reputation is well-deserved or not, he will hardly make the crucial decisions...
Juan Carlos assumed all of Franco's powers, except the positions of head of the Movimiento National and of generalissimo of "the Three Armies"-posts el Caudillo retains for life. The Prince, however, already wields sufficient authority to launch Spain's post-Franco epoch. His first official function, in fact, clearly symbolized that power had been transferred to him; he presided over Friday's Cabinet meeting, which was held around the dining-room table of his Zarzuela Palace rather than in the dining room of Franco's El Pardo...
...until he becomes King is Juan Carlos expected to start making the pronouncements, policy decisions and changes in top government offices that will indicate how he is likely to respond to demands for reform of his country's political system. Only after Franco's death, explains one government official in Madrid, can there be "a clean end and a clean beginning." Even then, most observers expect Juan Carlos to emphasize some continuity by keeping Arias as Premier. But he could signal a receptiveness to change by gradually shaking up the rest of the Cabinet and bringing in reform...
...course such a provisional government, presumably including Communists, would be unacceptable to the powerful Spanish right, especially the so-called "bunker"-the hard-line core of Franco's backers. Even if Juan Carlos favored a broad-based provisional government-and there is no hint that he (joes-it is extremely unlikely that he will want or dare to break with the right so soon. Since Communist demands for a provisional government are almost certain to go unfulfilled, the P.C.E. will probably launch a series of "democratic activities": strikes, walkouts, demonstrations. In fact, the Junta Democrática-a leftist...
Once all these political forces are unleashed, Spain could face a prolonged period of turmoil. Yet during the weeks of Franco's illness most Spaniards seemed determined to go on with business as usual-except for an unusual interest in radio bulletins and newspaper headlines. Last week the bullrings and soccer stadiums were packed, as were the tapas bars of old Madrid. Late-hour diners filled restaurants, feasting on steaming plates of garlic chicken and stuffed squid swimming in its own black ink. Long queues formed outside cinemas featuring The Towering Inferno, and a Beethoven concert series played...