Madrid – Antonio Tejero Molina, the former Lieutenant Colonel of the Guardia Civil who became the most recognizable figure in Spain’s attempted coup d’état on February 23, 1981, has died at the age of 93. His death occurred on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, coinciding with the Spanish government’s long-awaited declassification of documents related to the 23-F incident, as the attempted coup is known.
Tejero’s dramatic entrance into the Spanish Congress of Deputies, pistol in hand and shouting “¡quieto todo el mundo!” (“everyone quiet!”), became an enduring image of a pivotal moment in Spain’s transition to democracy. The declassification of the 23-F documents promises to shed recent light on the events surrounding the coup attempt, including communications between Tejero and the Royal House during the crisis. The release includes Tejero’s own statements made before a military tribunal, offering insight into his motivations and perspective.
The announcement of Tejero’s death was first made by his family’s lawyer, Luis Felipe Utrera Molina, and subsequently confirmed by a statement from Tejero’s son. “I aim for to communicate with deep sorrow that today, February 25, 2026, my father, Antonio Tejero Molina, has passed away surrounded by all his children, having received the last sacraments and the Blessing of His Holiness Leo XIV,” the family statement read. Tejero died peacefully in Alzira, Valencia, at 6:45 PM local time, after receiving the sacraments, according to a statement from his legal team.
The 23-F Coup Attempt and its Aftermath
The attempted coup on February 23, 1981, unfolded during a session of parliament where Adolfo Suárez was preparing to ask for a vote of confidence. Tejero and a group of armed Guardia Civil officers stormed the Congress, taking lawmakers hostage. While Tejero led the assault in Madrid, another military unit seized control of the Valencia region. The coup ultimately failed due to a lack of widespread support from the military and decisive intervention from King Juan Carlos I, who publicly condemned the uprising in a televised address.
Tejero was arrested and subsequently sentenced to 30 years in prison for rebellion. He was eventually paroled in 1992 after serving approximately eleven years. His actions and motivations have remained a subject of debate and scrutiny in Spain for decades. The newly released documents are expected to provide further context and potentially reveal previously unknown details about the planning and execution of the coup.
Documents Shed Light on Communications During the Crisis
The declassified documents include messages exchanged between Tejero and the Royal House during the 23-F crisis. According to Cadena SER, these messages reveal a direct line of communication between Tejero and the palace during the unfolding events. The documents also include Tejero’s own defense before the military tribunal, where he reportedly expressed “disdain” for generals he perceived as lacking courage and betraying Spain. The release of these materials comes 45 years after the initial attempt to overthrow the government.
The timing of Tejero’s death and the document release is notable. As Estrella Digital reported, the coincidence is significant, marking the end of an era and opening a new chapter in the understanding of this critical period in Spanish history. The documents are now available for public review, offering researchers and the public alike the opportunity to examine the events of February 23, 1981, with fresh eyes.
The death of Antonio Tejero marks the end of a controversial figure’s life, while the declassification of the 23-F documents signals a renewed effort to confront and understand a defining moment in Spain’s democratic journey. The coming weeks and months will likely see intense analysis of the newly released materials and a re-evaluation of Tejero’s role in the attempted coup.
What implications will the declassified documents have on the historical narrative of the 23-F coup? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
