Spain to declassify files on failed 1981 coup
Feb 24th 2026
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that classified documents on the Feb 23, 1981 coup will be published on La Moncloa after Cabinet approval, a move he called repaying a historic debt and clarifying unresolved questions.
- Spain will declassify and publish on La Moncloa's website documents on the Feb 23, 1981 coup, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced.
- Cabinet is expected to approve the measure on Feb 24, with declassification taking effect the following day.
- On Feb 23, 1981 Lieutenant-Colonel Antonio Tejero led civil guards who stormed Parliament and held lawmakers at gunpoint for almost 24 hours.
- The siege ended after King Juan Carlos publicly rejected the uprising, a moment credited with preserving Spain's democratic transition.
- General Alfonso Armada was later sentenced to 30 years for his role, and historians still debate how extensive the conspiracy and military support were.