The storming of Spain’s parliament

In February 1981, armed Civil Guards tried to take control of the Spanish parliament.

A total of 350 politicians were held hostage for 18 hours in the debating chamber including Joaquin Almunia, a young Socialist MP.

In 2021, he spoke to Claire Bowes.

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(Picture: Colonel Antonio Tejero attempts to take over the Spanish parliament with the Guardia Civil. Credit: Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)