THE ROLE OF KING JUAN CARLOS IN SPANISH POLITICS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85T00287R000502280001-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 11, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: December 2, 1983
• Content Type: MEMO

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/05/11: CIA-RDP85T00287R000502280001-6
Memorandum for:
The attached memorandum was prepared
for Peter Sommer (NSC Staff)
per his request.
EUR M83-10275
Distribution:
1 - DDI
1 - OD/EURA
2 - Production Staff
4 - IMC/CB
1 - Division File
1 - Branch File
1 - Author
EURA/P7E / IA
EURA
Office of European Analysis
Directorate of Intelligence
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/05/11: CIA-RDP85T00287R000502280001-6
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/05/11: CIA-RDP85T00287R000502280001-6
2 December 1983
The role of King Juan Carlos in Spanish politics
King Juan Carlos continues to be a key factor in the
stability of democratic political institutions in Spain. During
the transition to democracy of 1975-1978, he was called "the
motor of change" -- the man whose behind-the-scenes influence
ensured the peaceful dissolution of the Franco system and the
creation of representative institutions. The King's legal powers
were considerably reduced by the 1978 democratic Constitution.
He possesses the prerogatives of most constitutional monarchs:
the authority to sanction and promulgate laws, convoke and
dissolve parliament, and to propose or withdraw confidence in the
Prime Minister.
Juan Carlos is also -- and most importantly -- the supreme
commander of the armed forces. It is in this latter capacity
that he retains important de facto influence. Many senior
officers believe that their ultimate duty is to Spain and the
Monarchy, not to the Constitution or the head of the
government. The King maintains frequent and close personal
contact with top military leaders and is attuned to their
concerns. He has often acted as a "lightning rod" for military
discontent over terrorism and a perceived decline in respect for
national symbols, steering the officer corps away from
interference in politics. When this tactic has failed -- as
during the abortive coup attempt of 23 February 1981 -- the King
has not hesitated to exercise in public his prestige and
authority calling the military to order and explicitly
associating the Crown with the preservation of democracy.~ 25X1
Since the Socialists came to power in October 1982 the
King's function of reassuring the military has, ironically,
declined in importance. Despite the generals' suspicions of a
leftist government, they have come to view Prime Minister
Gonzalez with grudging respect. His tough anti-terrorist
measures, frequent public praise for the police and the armed
forces, and close attention to the professional needs and
aspirations of the military have been well received in the
barracks. This has enabled the King to function more as a
"normal" constitutional monarch, concerned primarily with
ceremonial duties and keeping above the political fray. 25X1
25X1
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in our view the King exerts some influence over the Prime
Minister's thinking. He meets with Gonzalez weekly, and they are
known to focus largely on substantive matters of overnment
policy.
-2- 25X1
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/05/11: CIA-RDP85T00287R000502280001-6