Spain to Declassify Historic 23-F Coup Documents on 45th Anniversary
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announces the declassification of key documents from the 23-F coup attempt on its 45th anniversary, enhancing public access to Spain's historical records.
- • Pedro Sánchez announced the declassification on the 45th anniversary of the 23-F coup attempt.
- • Declassification includes Supreme Court case files, intelligence service documents, and Royal House communications.
- • Documents will be published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado and on the Moncloa website after Council approval.
- • A new Law on Classified Information is being introduced to replace Franco-era secrecy laws with clear declassification timelines.
Key details
On February 23, 2026, marking the 45th anniversary of the 23-F coup attempt, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a significant move to declassify historical documents related to the failed 1981 coup. The decision was framed as a way to "settle a historical debt with the citizens" and promote a deeper understanding of Spain’s past to foster a freer future.
The declassification was set to take effect on February 25, following approval by the Council of Ministers. Key documents include the complete case file from the Supreme Court, encompassing 89 volumes of original recordings and testimonies, and intelligence files from the Centro Superior de Información de la Defensa (CESID), which contain internal communications and transcripts of phone taps from the night of the coup, previously classified as "top secret." Additional materials cover communications from the Royal House and internal military mobilization reports from various regions.
The documents will be made publicly accessible through the official Moncloa website and published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado, ensuring transparency and public access to this critical chapter in Spain’s democratic history.
This move aligns with broader legal reforms underway, as the government introduced a new Law on Classified Information in 2025 aimed at replacing the Franco-era secrecy laws. The proposed law mandates automatic declassification timelines: 45 years for "top secret" information, 35 years for "secret," and between 4 to 9 years for other classifications, setting a clear framework for governmental transparency.
Prime Minister Sánchez highlighted the importance of memory, stating "memory cannot be locked away" in his social media message, underscoring the administration’s commitment to historical reckoning. This initiative not only illuminates the complexities of the 23-F coup attempt but also exemplifies Spain’s ongoing effort to confront and disclose its historical record transparently.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
