Santiago Carrillo, Spanish soldier and politician (d. 2012)

Santiago José Carrillo Solares (18 January 1915 – 18 September 2012) was an exceptionally influential Spanish politician whose long and complex career spanned the tumultuous decades of the 20th century in Spain, from the Second Republic through the Spanish Civil War, the prolonged Francoist dictatorship, and finally, the vital transition to democracy. Born in Gijón, Asturias, Carrillo's political activism began early in his youth, deeply rooted in the socialist movement before he ultimately became a central figure in the Communist Party of Spain (PCE).

His tenure as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) from 1960 to 1982 marked a pivotal era for the party, which operated predominantly underground and in exile during most of this period. Carrillo's leadership was instrumental in maintaining the party's structure and influence during the repressive years of the Francisco Franco regime, making the PCE one of the most significant forces of democratic opposition.

However, Carrillo's historical legacy is not without significant controversy, particularly concerning his role during the Spanish Civil War. As a young political leader, specifically as a delegate councillor for public order in Madrid in November 1936, he was controversially associated with the Paracuellos massacres. These events involved the systematic killing of thousands of Nationalist prisoners and civilians, often transported from Madrid jails, under chaotic wartime conditions. While historical debates continue regarding the extent of his direct knowledge and responsibility, his position at the time has made this period a persistent point of contention and criticism throughout his public life, leading to decades of intense debate and a complex historical narrative.

Following the victory of Francisco Franco's forces in 1939, Santiago Carrillo was forced into a lengthy exile, which lasted until the dictator's death in 1975. From abroad, he tirelessly worked to consolidate and lead the democratic opposition to the Francoist dictatorship, coordinating efforts with other anti-Francoist forces and becoming a recognizable voice for those suppressed within Spain. His strategic thinking and unwavering commitment to restoring democratic freedoms were crucial during these difficult years.

Upon his return to Spain after Franco's death, Carrillo's leadership of the PCE positioned him as a truly key figure in the country's delicate transition to democracy. One of his most significant achievements was the legalization of the PCE on April 9, 1977, a bold move by the Adolfo Suárez government that normalized the political landscape and was a vital step towards full democratic participation. His pragmatic approach and willingness to engage in dialogue, notably his involvement in the Pactos de la Moncloa in 1977 – crucial agreements between political parties and social agents to stabilize the economy and consolidate democracy – demonstrated his commitment to national reconciliation and stability.

Ideologically, Santiago Carrillo became a prominent proponent of Eurocommunism, a significant intellectual and political current within Western European communist parties during the 1970s. This doctrine advocated for:

• Independence from the Soviet Union's ideological and political control.
• Acceptance of parliamentary democracy as a legitimate path to socialism.
• Rejection of the "dictatorship of the proletariat" concept.
• Commitment to democratic freedoms and pluralism.

This shift marked a profound evolution for the PCE, aligning it more closely with Western European democratic traditions and distancing it from the Soviet model, thereby enhancing its appeal within the new Spanish democratic framework.

From 1977 to 1986, Santiago Carrillo served as a member of the Congress of Deputies, the lower house of the Spanish Parliament, representing the PCE in the nascent democratic institutions. His presence in parliament symbolized the full reintegration of the communist movement into Spanish political life after decades of illegality and persecution. Although he resigned as General Secretary of the PCE in 1982 and eventually left the party in 1985 due to internal disagreements and electoral decline, his historical significance as a leader who navigated the party from the clandestine world of dictatorship to a legal, parliamentary force remains undisputed. Santiago Carrillo's life reflects the complex journey of modern Spain itself, from civil war and authoritarianism to the establishment of a robust democracy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Santiago Carrillo

When was Santiago Carrillo General Secretary of the PCE?

Santiago Carrillo served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) for an extended period, from 1960 to 1982. This entire span included the latter part of the Francoist dictatorship and the initial crucial years of Spain's democratic transition.

Why was Santiago Carrillo a controversial figure?

His primary source of controversy stemmed from his role during the Spanish Civil War, specifically his association with the Paracuellos massacres in November and December of 1936. As a young delegate councillor responsible for public order in Madrid, his actions and knowledge regarding the killings of Nationalist prisoners and civilians have been widely debated and criticized by historians and political opponents alike, making him a divisive figure in Spanish historical memory.

What was Santiago Carrillo's role in the Spanish transition to democracy?

Santiago Carrillo played a critical role in the Spanish transition to democracy after Francisco Franco's death. As the leader of the Communist Party of Spain, he negotiated the PCE's legalization in 1977, a fundamental step for establishing a pluralistic democracy. His pragmatic approach and willingness to engage in political agreements, such as the Pactos de la Moncloa, helped stabilize the new democratic system and ensure national reconciliation.

What is Eurocommunism, and why did Carrillo embrace it?

Eurocommunism was a reformist current within Western European communist parties during the 1970s, which advocated for independence from Soviet influence and commitment to achieving socialism through democratic, parliamentary means, respecting civil liberties. Carrillo embraced Eurocommunism to adapt the PCE to the new democratic realities in Spain, distancing it from the Soviet model and making it a more viable political force within a pluralistic Western democracy. This ideological shift aimed to broaden the PCE's appeal and legitimize its role in the emerging democratic Spain.

When did Santiago Carrillo serve in the Congress of Deputies?

Santiago Carrillo was a member of the Congress of Deputies, Spain's lower parliamentary house, from 1977 to 1986. His parliamentary service began with the first democratic elections held in Spain after the Franco dictatorship, underscoring his pivotal role in integrating the Communist Party into the nation's new democratic political framework.