Spain Opens Old Files About 1981 Coup

Spain is set to declassify files detailing the failed coup that nearly toppled its fledgling democracy in 1981. The decision follows growing public demand for transparency.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the documents will be released as a means to repay a historical debt and allow citizens to see their past.

The files may reveal how former King Juan Carlos I reacted during the crisis and could expose actions taken by intelligence agencies that led to the plot’s failure.

The 1981 Coup

• Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero led armed officers into Spain’s parliament.
• They fired shots, held lawmakers hostage for 17 hours, and attempted to restore a dictatorship.

The attempt collapsed when the king appeared on live television, supporting the elected government and the constitution—effectively quashing the plot.

Significance

Some records of the event remain missing. Releasing these documents is expected to provide fresh insights and help Spain remember how it defended its democracy.