The Regional Government of Galicia (or Xunta) finds its origins in the
Xunta of the Kingdom of Galicia active between 1528 and 1833. The Xunta was Galicia's representation to the central Spanish monarchy. The Xunta was composed of representatives from the cities (dioceses) of
Santiago de Compostela,
Lugo,
Betanzos,
A Coruña,
Mondoñedo,
Ourense, and
Tui. But at that time, the Xunta did not hold real power; it was a consultative body only. During the
Peninsular War, which started in 1808, the
Xunta Suprema de Galicia directed the war against the French invaders and maintained the public order in Galician territory. This
Xunta Suprema was in charge of military, legislative issues, and international relations. It was the first time that the Xunta had real autonomy, as the Spanish control weakened. This situation lasted until the French invaders were eventually expelled from the
Iberian Peninsula and
Ferdinand VII of Spain gradually recovered control over former territories (1813–1814). In 1833, the Xunta was dismantled following
the provincial division engaged in Spain by minister
Javier de Burgos, under the regency of
Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies. In this way, Galicia was separated into four provinces, each one managed by a Provincial Council. Yet, in 1843, the
Xunta Central de Galicia was created and presided over by
Xosé Maria Suances. In 1846, commander Miguel Solís initiated a military uprising in
Lugo. He put an end to the Provincial Councils and created the
Xunta Superior do Goberno de Galicia, presided over by
Pio Rodríguez Terrazo. This movement attempted to re-unify Galicia and called for Galicia's
self-rule. Solís was eventually defeated at the Battle of Cacheiras (23 April 1846) and the so-called
Martyrs of Carral were executed on 27 April. Prospects for Galician self-government and possible restoration of a Xunta came close while the
Galician Statute of Autonomy of 1936 was being discussed at the time of the
Spanish Second Republic (1931–1939). However, the
Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) and subsequent
Francoist Spain (1939–1977) halted the process. There was a temporary Galician government in exile, presided by
Castelao, although this was not called Xunta but
Consello da Galiza (Council of Galicia). The process of
devolution initiated by the passing of the
Spanish Constitution in 1978 allowed for the establishment of a new Xunta on 16 March 1978. The
Galician Statute of Autonomy (1981), came to ratify the Xunta and Galicia's self-government. ==Current cabinet==