Statute of Autonomy of Galicia of 1936

Galician nationalists of the early 20th century, namely those around the Partido Galeguista, had considered a number of options regarding the relationship between Galicia and Spain, ranging from regional autonomy to total independence.

During the Spanish Second Republic (1931–1939) a number of intellectuals proposed the formation of a federal State, where the different regions and nations of Spain could benefit from autonomy and decentralization.

In 1931, shortly after the establishment of the Spanish Second Republic, the Seminario de Estudos Galegos (Galician Studies Seminar) presented an early draft for a Statute of Autonomy.

The draft had been prepared by Valentín Paz Andrade, Lois Tobío Fernández, Ricardo Carballo Calero and Vicente Risco,.

The editing committee was composed by Manuel Lugrís, Alexandre Bóveda and Salvador Cabeza de León.

Most significantly, it granted the Galician government a number of powers, including the financial system (management and control of taxes and the economy), with the possibility to nationalize.

The campaign for the Statute referendum was intense and, finally, on 28 June 1936, Galicians were called to general vote.

Galicia gained the rank of pre-autonomous community in 1979, achieving full status in 1981 with the passing of the current Statute of Autonomy.