SPAIN: The Start of the Post-Franco Era

Premier Carlos Arias Navarro struggled to hold back tears as he faced a hastily set-up TV camera in his Madrid office and made the proclamation Spain had expected for more than a month. "Franco is dead," said Arias, his voice breaking. "The exceptional man who before God and history assumed immense responsibility and sacrifice to Spain has surrendered his life, burning day by day, hour by hour, in completing his transcendental mission."

Heavily sedated, Europe's last Fascist dictator died at 4:40 Thursday morning. He was only two weeks short of 83, and had ruled...

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