23-F: 29 Years Ago Today

It’s hard to believe that there was a fascist coup attempt in Western Europe just 29 years ago but today is the anniversary of the Francoist attempt in Spain. The botched coup is known as 23-F. Like 9/11 it’s named after its date. Here’s some video:

Incidentally, these guys aren’t fascists is the modern sense meaning American politicians you don’t like. These boys are the real deal. Franco had been dead only six years. The Monty Pythonesque looking figure at the center of things is Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero.
The national assembly was in the midst of electing a new prime minister when Tejero comes barging in. The very brave defense minister is the one standing up to him. Tejero had about 200 national guardsmen with him. The plan was that high ranking generals would join in. Only one did, the top general in Valencia.
King Juan Carlos went on television, in his military uniform, and said in no certain terms that the coup was unconstitutional. The deputies were freed the next morning. Tejero was arrested and thrown in jail for 15 years.

Posted by on February 23rd, 2010 at 9:01 am


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