REFORMS IN SPAIN

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31224, 23 November 1966, Page 21

REFORMS IN SPAIN

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) MADRID, Nov. 22. General Franco will announce today reforms to give Spain a more flexible political structure and her first Prime Minister since the civil war. The general, who will be 74 next month, will address the Spanish Cortes (Parliament) in a rare plenary session to explain the new “organic law” separating his powers as

Head of State and of Government.

The Cortes is expected to hear his plans to make it more representational. This Parliament has about 600 deputies—the number may be reduced to 450—none of whom was elected by a free or popular vote. Spain’s first Prime Minister since the civil war will be chosen by General Franco from a short list of three names submitted by the Council of the Realm, informed sources forecast. He will hold office for six years. But he will not be appointed until the new law, ex-

pected to receive certain approval by the Cortes, has been put to a national referendum next month. The Council of the Realm has 13 members, representing a cross-section of political power. It too, is expected to be made more representational under the new law.

General Franco is also expected to announce measures changing the role of the Falange as the only authorised political movement in Spain. His plan is to create a national council of the movement which would include different shades of political opinion and perhaps function something like a Senate or Upper House of Parliament, informed sources say. Political parties are expected to remain banned for the moment.

Spain’s last national referendum in 1947 approved laws which made the country a kingdom, although it has no king yet. and gave General Franco the right to name his successor.

The general is not. however, expected to break his silence today and name his successor.

He is speaking shortly after celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of his advent to power in the civil war. Since defeating the Republican regime in 1939, he has combined the offices of Head of State, Prime Minister, and Supreme Military Commander.