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Appointed by the new king, Adolfo Suárez became the leader of a transitional government. The military rearguard of the government was gradually replaced by younger political leaders as the way was paved for the elaboration of a new constitution, finally approved in 1978.
Spain would then ruled by a constitutional monarchy, following the model of the United Kingdom.
The Spanish Communist party (PCE) was legalized in April 1977, following its leader's acceptance of the monarchy.
In 1981 the military tried to regain power, staging a coup d'état on the 23rd of February which proved unsuccessful. In the general elections of 1982 the Socialist party (PSOE) headed by Felipe González obtained an absolute majority. During successive Socialist terms of office, Spain became a member of the European Union (EEC), and of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
In the general elections of 1996 the Spanish voted conservative and Partido Popular (PP) came to power, further consolidating the young democracy. José María Aznar would be the next Spanish president. In the following years the country has strengthened its position in the international arena, proving to be a modern country fully integrated within the European community.
In March, 14th. 2004 took place the last general elections by the moment. The Socialist Party would come to power again, this time headed by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
