Carlos Arias Navarro

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Carlos Arias Navarro (Madrid, December 11, 1908 – November 27, 1989) was one of the best known Spanish politicians during the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco.

He served in the Ministry of Justice since 1929 as attorney in Málaga and Madrid. Arias was close to the right-wing sectors and joined the Francoist side during the Spanish Civil War.

After serving in different positions he became Minister of Governance in June 1973. After the assassination of the Prime Minister (Presidente del Gobierno) Luis Carrero Blanco he became the new Prime Minister, a position that he held after the death of Franco. He is remembered by the Spanish people as the person who announced Franco's death on television.

Arias saw himself as Franco's political heir, and tried to continue the late dictator's policies. He had the support of the Franco family, most notably Carmen Polo. But in 1976, after a lengthy power struggle, Arias was fired by Franco's successor as Head of State, King Juan Carlos I, who did not believe Arias was capable of leading Spain towards democracy. He was succeeded by Adolfo Suárez.

He never occupied a relevant position in the Spanish government again.

Preceded by: José Finat y Escrivá de Romaní	Mayor of Madrid 1965–1973	Succeeded by: Miguel Angel García-Lomas Mata
Preceded by: Luis Carrero Blanco	Prime Minister of Spain 1973–1976	Succeeded by: Adolfo Suárez