"The war is over." Franco thus signed his last part. But there is no declaration about the end of the dictatorship and the transition. When did the transition that gave way to the disputed regime of '78 end? In 1978, in '81 , 82?
There are three ways of understanding history: that of those who lived it, that of historians and that of those who invent it. The transition does not escape this push and pull. Some exalt it, others hate it and for everyone it is already a chapter in a book. It is curious to see how certain current characters have gone through the three visions. Supporters of the democratic “rupture” in their time, today they praise the “reform” that ended up winning. And vice versa: they are in for another break, whether from leftism or the extreme right.
Here are the facts. But deep down everyone agrees that the transition is over. Although it may not be. Yes, democracy has been imposed. But let's see. As then, there are still three political colossi: continuityists, reformists and rupturists. And like then, we do not know what historical time we live in: we never knew that we were “in the transition” and everything was uncertain.
Let's not fool ourselves. There was no pre-established plan, nor was there a great general pact. The transition was due to a correlation of forces. Like now. And like now, democracy could not be considered done and over. It is a process in progress and without end. The transition is not over. It is a convention and fossil word like others. But in its purpose it is alive.
There is still a long way to go towards democratic plenitude or simply the full application of everything that the Constitution entails. So that there is a real conciliation between territories, parties and people. So that we have better politicians who are more committed to the general interest. And it is still not true that all Spaniards are equal: the vote in a large city is worth four times less than in a less populated province. Let's also talk about nationalities, Party law, Senate, Judiciary, right to housing... In democracy, the transition never ends.
