Luis Carrero Blanco was a prominent Spanish politician who served as the Prime Minister of Spain from 1973 until his assassination in 1975. Born in 1903 in Santoña, Cantabria, Blanco rose to prominence under the rule of General Francisco Franco. After playing a significant role in the Spanish Civil War, Blanco became an integral member of Franco's regime and held various government positions.
Carrero Blanco's political career was characterized by his loyalty to Franco's dictatorship and his commitment to maintaining the authoritarian regime. As Deputy Prime Minister, he implemented several economic reforms that aimed to modernize Spain's economy and improve international relations with Western countries. However, his tenure was also marked by a lack of meaningful political reforms, as he prioritized stability and continuity over democratic changes.
On December 20, 1973, Carrero Blanco was appointed as Prime Minister by Franco. However, just two years later, on December 20, 1975, he was assassinated in an attack orchestrated by the separatist group ETA. The attack involved the detonation of explosives underneath a street in Madrid as Blanco's motorcade passed by, resulting in his death.
Carrero Blanco's assassination had a significant impact on Spain's political landscape. It created a power vacuum, as his death raised questions about the future direction of the country. Eventually, it contributed to the liberalization and democratization of Spain, as the transition to democracy gained momentum after Franco's death. Today, Carrero Blanco is remembered as a polarizing figure who played a crucial role in maintaining Franco's dictatorship during a crucial period in Spanish history.
