Spain: Back to the Borb

"Conscious of my responsibility before God and history and taking into account the qualities to be found in the person of Prince Juan Carlos of Borbón, who has been perfectly trained to take up the high mission to which he might be called, I have decided to propose him to the nation as my successor." Thus Generalissimo Francisco Franco, who has ruled Spain for the past 32 years, presented his chosen successor to the Cortes, Spain's tame Parliament. In a roll-call vote, the Cortes overwhelmingly and obediently endorsed Franco's choice.

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