When it comes to antonio tejero obituary, antonio Tejero, the lieutenant colonel who attempted a military coup against Spain's nascent democracy on February 23, 1981, has died at the age of 93. Tejero's infamous assault on the Spanish parliament, known as the Cortes, sent shockwaves throughout the nation and marked a pivotal moment in Spanish history. Leading a contingent of 250 civil guards, he forced his way into the lower house during the investiture of Prime Minister Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo, holding parliament hostage for 18 harrowing hours.
Antonio Tejero Obituary: Infamous Assault on Democracy
On that fateful evening, at 6:23 PM, Tejero stormed into the semi-circular chamber, brandishing a firearm and demanding compliance from terrified lawmakers. His commanding presence, characterized by a bushy moustache and a traditional civil guard tricorne hat, quickly turned into a symbol of the failed coup. As shots rang out into the ceiling-now preserved as a reminder of the insurrection-Tejero declared, "¥Quieto todo el mundo!" ("No-one move!"), followed shortly by the notorious command, "¥Se sienten, coño!" ("Sit down, fuck it!"). Originally reported by The Guardian.
The coup attempt came amid a year of political turmoil in Spain, where the fledgling democracy established after Franco's death was facing significant challenges. The Basque separatist group ETA was conducting regular assassinations of military and police personnel, while the government led by Adolfo SuĂĄrez struggled with economic difficulties. In this fraught atmosphere, some politicians began calling for a "touch on the rudder," suggesting a military intervention to stabilize the government.
The Conspirators Behind the Coup
Tejero was not alone in his ambitions; he was part of a trio of conspirators that included General Jaime Milans del Bosch, who deployed tanks onto the streets of Valencia, and General Alfonso Armada. Armada ventured to the congress under the pretense of negotiating with Tejero, aiming to safeguard the kidnapped parliament members. The conspirators hoped to create a facade of royal support, believing that King Juan Carlos might back their cause.
However, as the coup unfolded, King Juan Carlos delivered a decisive televised address at 1:12 AM in full military regalia, denouncing the coup and reaffirming his commitment to democracy. His intervention was a turning point, leading to Tejero's surrender by noon the following day. The events solidified the king's reputation as a defender of democracy in Spain, a narrative supported by newly declassified government documents released on the day of Tejero's death, 45 years later.
Life After the Coup
After his arrest, Tejero faced trial alongside 32 other conspirators. Convicted in June 1982, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Despite his expulsion from the civil guard, he enjoyed relatively comfortable conditions in military prison, where he remained until his release in 1996. During his incarceration, Tejero attempted to launch a political career, forming a party called Solidaridad Española with the slogan "Enter Parliament with Tejero!" However, his bid for political relevance fell flat in the 1982 general election, where he garnered only 28,451 votes.
Upon his release, Tejero sought solace in painting and gardening, dividing his time between Torre del Mar near MĂĄlaga and Madrid. He maintained a low public profile but occasionally appeared at events that signaled his unwavering support for a military dictatorship as a means to preserve Spain's unity. His presence at the removal of Franco's remains in 2019, where he was met with cries of "Long live Spain! Long live Tejero!" from a crowd of supporters, underscored his enduring influence among far-right factions.
A Controversial Legacy
Tejero's life was marked by more than just the infamous coup attempt. In 1978, he had already plotted an attack on the Moncloa Palace, the official residence of the Prime Minister. This earlier conspiracy, named "Galaxia," was thwarted when someone involved tipped off the police. Remarkably, Tejero received only a seven-month prison sentence for that plot, allowing him to maintain his position within the civil guard and attempt a second coup.
Born in AlhaurĂn el Grande into a modest family with military connections, Tejero began his career in the civil guard at 19 after graduating from the Military Academy in Zaragoza. His military life spanned over two decades, during which he steadily ascended through the ranks until his infamous final act against Spain's democracy.
Though he passed away on the day of the document declassification, Tejero's legacy remains a contentious chapter in Spain's history, illustrating the challenges of transitioning from dictatorship to democracy. His life reflects the complexities of Spanish politics and the lingering shadows of its past.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.