Arias Navarro, Carlos (1908-1989)

Spanish politician. As a state prosecutor in the Spanish Civil War, he gained notoriety as the ‘Butcher of Málaga’ during the nationalists' savage repression of the province. He became prime minister after the assassination of Luis Carrero Blanco in December 1973, and was confirmed as the first prime minister of the monarchy following Franco's death in 1975. He resigned in 1976 under Juan Carlos I, having proved too hardline to effect the transition to democracy.

During his political career he also served as director general of security 1957-65, mayor of Madrid 1965-73, and minister of the interior in June 1973.