Spanish officer who led 1981 coup dies on day documents declassified
The Guardian World
by Sam Jones in MadridFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Antonio Tejero, the Spanish military officer who led a failed coup attempt in 1981, has passed away at the age of 93 on the same day that government documents related to the coup were declassified. Tejero, part of a right-wing network of police and military officers, attempted to overthrow Spain’s post-Franco democracy by storming the Spanish congress with armed followers. The coup was thwarted when King Juan Carlos rejected support for it and ordered generals to adhere to democratic constitutional norms.
The 1981 coup attempt occurred during a politically tense period in Spain, as the country transitioned from authoritarianism under Franco to a democratic government. Tejero’s network aimed to establish a right-wing regime but faced significant opposition, including from key military figures and the monarchy. The declassified documents provide new insights into the coup’s planning and execution, shedding light on a pivotal moment in Spain’s modern history.
Tejero’s death coinciding with the document release has sparked renewed interest in this chapter of Spanish history. The events highlight the fragility of democracy during its early stages and the critical role of institutions like the monarchy in safeguarding it. For readers interested in global politics, this story underscores the importance of understanding how democratic systems can be challenged—and defended—in times of crisis.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/25/2026