Former Spanish Colonel Tejero Molina, 93, Dies After Leading Failed Coup

Antonio Tejero Molina, the former Spanish colonel who led a failed coup attempt in 1981, has died at the age of 93. Tejero's role in the dramatic event, known as the 23-F coup, shook the foundations of Spain's young democracy and left an indelible mark on the country's political history.

Tejero, a staunch supporter of the Franco regime, led a group of Civil Guard officers in storming the Spanish Parliament on February 23, 1981, in an effort to overthrow the country's democratic government. The coup, which was broadcast live on television, was thwarted by the swift actions of King Juan Carlos I, who appeared on national television and condemned the uprising, ultimately leading to its failure.

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The events of the 23-F coup, as it came to be known, were a pivotal moment in Spain's transition to democracy following the death of General Francisco Franco in 1975. Tejero and his co-conspirators sought to reverse the democratic reforms that had been implemented since the end of the Franco dictatorship, hoping to restore the authoritarian rule of the past.

Despite the dramatic nature of the coup attempt, Tejero's actions were ultimately unsuccessful. The king's televised address, combined with the refusal of the military to support the uprising, led to the collapse of the coup within 24 hours. Tejero and his co-conspirators were arrested and later sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in the failed attempt to overthrow the government.

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In the aftermath of the 23-F coup, Spain's young democracy was strengthened, and the country continued on its path towards greater political and social liberalization. Tejero's legacy, however, remains a controversial one, with some Spaniards viewing him as a misguided patriot and others seeing him as a symbol of the country's authoritarian past.

Tejero's death at the age of 93 marks the end of an era in Spanish history, a time when the fragility of the country's democratic institutions was put to the test. As Spain continues to grapple with the legacy of the Franco dictatorship and the tumultuous transition to democracy, the story of the 23-F coup and the role of figures like Tejero will continue to be an important part of the nation's political narrative.