Antonio Tejero, leader of 1981 failed Spanish coup, dies at 93

In Brief

Antonio Tejero, who led a failed 1981 military coup in Spain, died at age 93.

Key Facts

• Antonio Tejero was a Spanish lieutenant colonel who led a failed military coup in 1981
• He held Spain's Parliament hostage for 18 hours on February 23, 1981
• The coup attempt was thwarted by King Juan Carlos and lacked support from the armed forces
• Tejero died at age 93 on the same day the Spanish government declassified documents related to the coup
• The 1981 coup attempt raised fears of a return to Francoist fascism in Spain

What Happened

On February 23, 1981, Antonio Tejero led armed forces into the Spanish Parliament, holding it hostage for 18 hours in an attempted coup. The effort failed after King Juan Carlos publicly opposed it and the military did not support the takeover. Tejero surrendered, ending the coup attempt.

Why It Matters

The failed coup was a significant moment in Spain's transition to democracy after Franco's dictatorship, reinforcing civilian control over the military. The declassification of related government documents on the day of Tejero's death may provide further insight into the event and its context.