Miguel Primo de Rivera y Urquijo facts for kids
Miguel Primo de Rivera y Urquijo, 3rd Duke of Primo de Rivera, 5th Marquess of Estella (born August 17, 1934 – died December 3, 2018) was a Spanish politician, lawyer, and businessman. He was the grandson of a famous Spanish leader with the same name. From 1965 to 1971, he served as the mayor of the city of Jerez. He inherited the title of Duke of Primo de Rivera from his uncle. He then passed the title of Marquess of Estella to his son.
His Family and Early Life
Miguel Primo de Rivera y Urquijo was the grandson of Miguel Primo de Rivera. This grandfather was a dictator who ruled Spain from 1923 to 1930. Miguel's father, Fernando (1908-1936), was the younger brother of José Antonio Primo de Rivera. José Antonio was the person who started a political group called Falange Española.
Miguel went to school with Juan Carlos I of Spain, who later became king. They became very good friends during their school years. This friendship lasted throughout their lives.
Helping Spain Become a Democracy
Miguel Primo de Rivera y Urquijo played an important role in Spain's history. After General Franco, another dictator, died, Spain needed to become a democracy. Miguel was a close friend of Prince Juan Carlos. He strongly believed that the monarchy should return to power.
King Juan Carlos asked Miguel to help. Miguel worked within the existing government to find a good person for Prime Minister. He helped choose Adolfo Suárez, who was ready to bring in democratic changes.
Miguel was then given the job of presenting a new law called the Political Reform Bill to the Spanish parliament, known as the Cortes. This law was very important. It made it possible for Spain to have new democratic reforms. These reforms eventually led to the Spanish Constitution of 1978.
Miguel also worked behind the scenes to get support for this new law. Some members of the Cortes were not sure about the changes. His own aunt, Pilar Primo de Rivera, was one of them. She led a powerful women's organization under Franco's rule. Miguel helped convince her and others to support the new democratic path. In 1977, he was made a Senator by the king.
See also
In Spanish: Miguel Primo de Rivera y Urquijo para niños
