It seems clear that, in just a few recent years, the socio-economic crisis –though it began as a financial crisis alone– has negatively affected the prestige of certain institutions that make up the social and democratic State of Law which the current Constitutions makes sacred.

In sociological terms, one might perhaps speak of a crisis of legitimacy. Surveys show data that should concern all of us, which is why the need has arisen for debate over clear political reforms: but what is needed? A reform of the Constitution, or just a reform of certain laws and institutions. At this time, the constitutional debate is present above all within political parties and in published opinion. However, no sincere objective of political consensus is perceived, which is essential in this state of affairs, at least under similar terms as those which made the Constitution possible, along with implementation by way of a large number of statewide laws enacted by ample majorities in the Spanish parliament.

It therefore seems advisable to promote calm analyses and debates, with the highest academic level in our power, regarding the current institutional situation. Starting with the Transition, or in other words the time when the Constitution was formed, we will attempt to examine our main institutions, to the greatest possible extent, performing an analysis of the various proposals which have been made in Spain’s academic and political public life.

This is not the first time that the Spanish Transition Foundation has brought up these matters. Not long ago, we held a series of conferences regarding the topic “35 Years After the Transition: Three proposals for regeneration.” Now, with the cooperation of the Universidad Internacional Menéndez y Pelayo, we are attempting to make a further contribution to the discussion which is occurring today within a very significant part of the Spanish society.