Assassination of Prime Minister Luis Carrero Blanco

December 20th, 1973

December 20th, 1973

Assassination of Prime Minister Luis Carrero Blanco
How Long Ago?

51 years, 2 months, 23 days ago

Location

Madrid, Spain

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Francisco Franco
  • Luis Carrero Blanco
Links & References
Tags

Assassination of Prime Minister Luis Carrero Blanco

In Madrid, a car bomb planted by the Basque nationalist group ETA kills Prime Minister Luis Carrero Blanco along with two others. The attack is part of ETA's campaign against the Franco regime, highlighting the group's resolve even during his tenure. The bomb detonated as Blanco's vehicle passed through the city, sending it several meters into the air and causing significant destruction. This incident marked a critical moment in Spain's history of political violence during the late Francoist period.

Carrero Blanco was a close aide of Franco.

ETA was targeting state officials for separation.

The bomb propelled Blanco's car onto a rooftop.

Repression against ETA intensified following the attack.

What Happened?

Luis Carrero Blanco served as the Prime Minister of Spain under Francisco Franco and was considered one of Franco's most trusted allies. His tenure began in 1973 and was marked by significant political tension within Spain. The Basque separatist group ETA, established in 1959, aimed to promote Basque nationalism and achieve independence from Spain. The assassination on December 20, 1973, was a culmination of years of escalating violence between the Spanish state and ETA. The attack was meticulously planned, involving explosives placed beneath the street in Madrid where Blanco's car would pass. When the bomb detonated, it propelled his car onto a nearby rooftop, killing him and two other individuals on impact.The assassination was a dramatic escalation in ETA's campaign against the Franco regime and sent shockwaves throughout the Spanish political landscape. It demonstrated ETA's capabilities and willingness to target high-ranking officials, effectively undermining the regime’s authority. Following Blanco's death, the Spanish government initiated a crackdown on ETA, leading to increased repression and violence which ultimately intensified the conflict between the Spanish state and Basque separatists. This event marked a turning point in the struggle, as it signaled the fragility of the Francoist government and paved the way for political change within Spain.

Why Does it Matter?

The assassination of Luis Carrero Blanco had profound implications for Spain's political climate during the final years of the Franco regime. It signaled a shift in ETA's tactics and an intensification of opposition against Franco's authoritarian rule. This pivotal moment led to an increase in repression against separatist movements and fueled discussions about political reform. As a result, it highlighted the instability within Franco's government and contributed to the eventual transition to democracy in Spain after Franco's death.

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