A condolence book remains open at the Embassy of Spain, sixth floor, Courtleigh Corporate Centre, following the passing last Saturday of former Prime Minister Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo at the age of 82.

Calvo-Sotelo served as Spain's Prime Minister between 1981 and 1982, and made a significant contribution to the consolidation of democracy during a turbulent period in the country's history. In fact, it was during the process of voting for him as candidate for prime minister when the Spanish Parliament was attacked by a group of soldiers in a coup attempt on February 23, 1981.

Important steps

During his tenure as prime minister, Calvo-Sotelo managed to bring the soldiers who had threatened Spain's young democracy to trial, and who were subsequently sentenced. He also undertook important steps in Spain's history such as joining the NATO military alliance, intensifying the process of negotiation to join the European Common Market and approving the first divorce law in a country that had a long tradition of Catholicism.

Calvo-Sotelo was leader of the centre-right party, the UCD (United Democratic Centre). An engineer by profession, he was a prestigious intellectual and writer.

The Government of Spain has declared Sunday to today as the official period of mourning during which time the flag of Spain at its embassies and consulates overseas will be flown at half mast.