Franco designated his successor. It was supposed to be the previous king Juan Carlos. He reinstated the monarchy and became king instead.
In terms of getting rid of dictators, you also have to realize that since the Spanish civil war (1936-1939) there was a dictatorship until 1975. That is a lot of time to purge any opposition. Your last sentence is uncharitable and overly simplistic.
In terms of getting rid of dictators, you also have to realize that since the Spanish civil war (1936-1939) there was a dictatorship until 1975. That is a lot of time to purge any opposition. Your last sentence is uncharitable and overly simplistic.