Political Changes 1956-70

• The Law of Associations, passed in 1964, allowed the establishment of small non-political groups. Before 1964, only groups associated with the Catholic Church or Falange had been allowed. This law resulted in groups such as neighbourhood associations, housewife federations and parents' groups being set up. However, some of these groups became centres of opposition as people would discuss their frustrations with the government.
• In 1966, the Press Act, devised by Fraga, reversed various censorship laws, resulting in greater press freedom:

  • Newspaper stories were no longer censored before publication.
  • Journalists were granted more freedom to investigate/print stories.
  • The owners of newspapers could appoint their own editorial teams.
  • However, the regime still imposed fines and even sacked editors or journalists who were seen as hostile to the regime.
• The Organic Law of January 1967 was an important liberalising measure. Firstly, the law reformed the Cortes, ensuring 20% of the Spanish parliament was elected, although independent political parties were still illegal. Secondly, it established a degree of separation of powers with Spanish government. It was designed to show Spain was moving in the direction of a democracy. However, Franco remained the prime minister and president, meaning the law didn't have a significant impact on Franco's power.
• The Law on Family Representation, passed in 1967, allowed the heads of families to vote. This included some women.
• The Religious Freedom Act, passed in 1967, formally allowed the practice of all major world religions. Consequently, the first Jewish synagogue opened in Madrid in 1968. The law also allowed civil marriages outside of the Catholic Church. The Church initially viewed as a threat to its influence within Spain.