2. Regional Economy and Policy in Spain (1960–1975)

This chapter considers the main features of “regional policy” in Spain from 1960 to 1975, with a brief description of some of the most significant results. It also describes some background, with reference to several previous policies. As in other countries, the history of regional policies in Spain is a long one. Some examples can be found during the reign of Carlos III (1759–1788), in the form of attempts to repopulate and develop some parts of Andalusia (Jaen, Cordova and Seville), or to promote the country’s economic development by creating public enterprises and new ports. More recently, in the nineteenth century, decisions were made in Spain regarding the centralised design of rail and road networks, with a long-lasting impact on the country’s territorial structure. These and other measures applied in the past, however, do not fit into the currently accepted category of “regional policies”. Indeed, “regional development policies” have only been described as such in Spain since the early 1960s, although with a singular approach and characteristics. However, before focusing on the subject of this chapter, it is well worth to mention some aspects of the measures applied during the Primo de Rivera dictatorship (1923–1930), the Second Republic (1931–1936) and the first 20 years of the Franco’s regime (1940–1960).