Spain’s Adolfo Suarez has died, aged 81.
Mr Suarez was the country’s first prime minister in the wake of the dictatorship of General Franco and lead Spain to democracy.
King Juan Carlos personally appointed Suarez in 1976, only months after Franco died. Franco’s contribution to Spain had been nearly four decades of dictatorship after the brutal 1936-39 Civil War.
Suarez, leading the Democratic Centre Union party, was confirmed as leader the following year in a general election.
It was his task to steer Spain through a difficult transition from dictatorship to democracy. He became well respected for his ability for reconciliation and achieving consensus.
During his time in office, he oversaw the dismantling of the Franco regime, the legalisation of political parties and trades unions and a 1978 referendum to approve the constitution.
At a time when opposing political factors caused serious threats, Suarez is credited by many for preventing the nation from sliding back into civil war.
He resigned in 1981, but only a month later during the swearing-in of his successor, Civil Guard officers stormed parliament in an attempted military coup, firing over the heads of lawmakers as they dived for cover.
Mr Suarez was one of the few to remain seated. "They ordered us to get down on the floor," he said in a television interview years later. "I was the prime minister and the prime minister should not do that."
“Overcoming the political and social fracture that Spain's society experienced in the 20th century was his top priority, as it was mine,” the 76-year-old King said.
Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, socialist prime minister from 2004 to 2011, praised him.
“His political career calls to mind the highest spirit of our democratic transition; recognition of dissenting voices, promotion of tolerance and the practice of dialogue. Thanks to that attitude he had the capacity to forge great agreements.”
Suarez had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for the last decade which eventually deprived him of even the memory of having been prime minister.
Three days of national mourning have been announced during which his body will lie in state in parliament before a state funeral.
