Antonio Tejero facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Antonio Tejero
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Antonio Tejero with a gun in his hand, breaking into the Spanish Congress of Deputies on 23 February 1981 attempting a coup.
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| Born | 30 April 1932 Alhaurín el Grande, Spain |
| Died | 25 February 2026 (aged 93) Alzira, Spain |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Service/ |
.svg){kind=small} Guardia Civil |
| Years of service | 1951–1981 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
Antonio Tejero Molina (born April 30, 1932, died February 25, 2026) was a Spanish military officer. He served as a lieutenant colonel in the Guardia Civil, which is a national police force in Spain. He is most known for leading a failed attempt to take over the Spanish government by force on February 23, 1981. At that time, Spain was transitioning to a new democratic government. Tejero and about 200 armed members of the Guardia Civil stormed the Spanish Parliament building, holding lawmakers hostage. He was later sentenced to a long prison term for this serious action. He had also been involved in an earlier, smaller attempt to change the government in 1978.
Antonio Tejero: A Look at a Key Figure in Spanish History
Early Life and Military Beginnings
Antonio Tejero was born on April 30, 1932, in Alhaurín el Grande, a town in Spain. His parents had moved there shortly before his birth. His father began working at a military outpost. Tejero's early childhood was spent during the Spanish Civil War.
Career in the Guardia Civil
Tejero joined the Guardia Civil in 1951. He trained at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1955. Over the years, he continued to rise through the ranks.
Early Challenges and Transfers
By 1974, Tejero had become a lieutenant colonel. He served in the Basque region of Spain. He had to ask for a transfer to another area. This was because of his public statements against the Basque flag, known as the Ikurriña. This flag had been banned for many years during the Franco regime. When the ban on the Ikurriña was lifted in 1977, Tejero questioned whether he should show it respect. He also took part in a military action related to a flag in Malaga. During his career, he also worked to combat the ETA, a group that caused violence.
The "Operation Galaxia" Incident
In 1978, Tejero was involved in an earlier attempt to change the government by force. This event was known as "Operation Galaxia." For his part in this failed plan, Tejero was arrested. He spent about seven months in prison for his actions.
The 1981 Coup Attempt
What Happened on February 23, 1981
On February 23, 1981, Antonio Tejero led about 150 Guardia Civil members and soldiers. They entered the Spanish Parliament building. This was a serious attempt to overthrow the newly democratic government. He burst into the main chamber, shouting for everyone to stop and get on the floor. He also fired shots into the ceiling. The lawmakers were held hostage for about 22 hours.
The King's Response and Aftermath
Late that night, King Juan Carlos I of Spain spoke to the nation on television. He strongly condemned the coup attempt. The King urged everyone to support the rule of law and the democratic government. The following day, the leaders of the coup surrendered and were arrested. Tejero was put on trial in 1982. In 1983, the Supreme Court sentenced him to 30 years in prison. This was for his role in trying to take over the government by force. He remained in prison until 1993, when he was granted parole.
Life After Prison
While in jail after the coup attempt, Tejero tried to start a political party. It was called Spanish Solidarity. He hoped that if he was elected, he would gain special protection. However, his party did not receive enough votes in the 1982 general election. Tejero was the last person involved in the coup to be released from prison. He was set free on December 3, 1996, after serving 15 years. He then lived in Torre del Mar in the Province of Málaga. In 2006, he wrote to a newspaper, sharing his views on political proposals for Catalonia. He also attended a tribute to a former Chilean leader in 2006. In 2009, Tejero's son, Ramón Tejero Díez, wrote to a newspaper. He described his father as a sincere religious man who believed he was doing his best for Spain. In 2019, Tejero, at 87 years old, took part in a protest. This was against a decision about moving the remains of a historical figure, Francisco Franco.
Personal Life
Antonio Tejero was married to Carmen Díez Pereira, who was a teacher. They had six children together. Many of their children and sixteen grandchildren also joined the Guardia Civil or married military officers. Antonio Tejero passed away on February 25, 2026, at his home in Alzira, at the age of 93. His death occurred on the same day that the Spanish government released documents related to his failed coup attempt.
See also
In Spanish: Antonio Tejero para niños
