Spain is mourning the death of one of the architects of the modern Spanish state, Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo, who died in Madrid on Saturday aged 82.

His presidency lasted just 21 months but came at a crucial moment as the country's fledgling democracy battled to dismantle Franco's authoritarian institutions.

It was during the parliamentary vote to install Sotelo - following the resignation of first transition president Adolfo Suárez - that armed Guardia Civil officers burst into the House of Congress - on the 23rd February 1981 - in a failed attempt to overthrow the government.

A cultured, polite and undemonstrative man, Sotelo's main achievements were negotiating Spain's entry into NATO and laying the foundations for Spain's autonomous regional government system.

His death is being celebrated with full state and military honours.

King Juan Carlos has described Sotelo as "a great Spaniard, statesman and democrat."

For more information about the failed coup, follow the link below:

http://www.thinkspain.com/news-spain/9830/25-years-on-the-failed-military-coup-23-f-1981