45 Years After Failed Coup, Spain Declassifies Files About Why It Failed

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by Jason Horowitz

February 25, 2026

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Spain has taken a significant step toward transparency by declassifying files related to a failed 1981 coup attempt that had long been shrouded in secrecy. This move ends over four decades of speculation about the events surrounding the coup, which was carried out by members of the Spanish military and aimed to overthrow the democratic government established after Francisco Franco's dictatorship. The release of these documents provides new insights into how the coup was orchestrated, why it failed, and its impact on Spain's fragile transition to democracy. The coup occurred on February 23, 1981, during a period of political instability as Spain transitioned from authoritarian rule to a democratic system. The military action, led by Lt. Col. Antonio Tejero, included seizing key institutions such as the Congress of Deputies and attempting to install a new government under the guise of Francoist ideology. The coup was ultimately quashed after just 24 hours, largely due to the swift response of King Juan Carlos I, who publicly reaffirmed his support for democracy in a televised address. The declassification of these files is significant

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/25/2026