Politics of Spain

Spain is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy whose national institutions share authority with autonomous communities. Its politics are shaped by multiparty competition, regional nationalism, and debates over the legacy of dictatorship.

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Constitution of Spain: Spain’s 1978 constitution establishes its democratic institutions, rights, territorial structure, and constitutional monarchy. It sets the legal framework for national government and territorial autonomy.
Spanish electoral system: Spain elects the Congress of Deputies through proportional representation in provincial constituencies. District size and seat allocation affect how votes translate into parliamentary representation.
Francisco Franco: Francisco Franco ruled Spain as an authoritarian dictator from the end of the Spanish Civil War until 1975. His dictatorship created the political order that the democratic transition had to replace.
Pedro Sánchez: Pedro Sánchez is a Spanish politician and leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party who has served as prime minister. His governments have relied on parliamentary alliances involving regional parties.
Catalan independence movement: The Catalan independence movement seeks the separation of Catalonia from Spain. Its demands have triggered constitutional disputes and altered national parliamentary bargaining.
Cortes Generales: Spain’s national legislature consists of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate. The Cortes legislates, approves budgets, and holds the government to account.
Spanish Socialist Workers' Party: The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party is a major centre-left political party in Spain. It is a principal competitor for national government and a frequent coalition partner.
Spanish transition to democracy: Spain’s transition to democracy followed Franco’s death and established constitutional government in the late 1970s. It shaped the institutions and compromises underpinning contemporary politics.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo: Alberto Núñez Feijóo is a Spanish politician and leader of the People's Party. He leads the main opposition party in national politics.
2017 Catalan independence referendum: The 2017 Catalan independence referendum was held by Catalan authorities despite Spain’s constitutional court suspending it. The vote precipitated a major confrontation between Catalan and Spanish institutions.