Madrid Charter

The Madrid Charter, also known by its Spanish name, Carta de Madrid, is a political document that serves as the foundational framework for the Iberoamerican Commonwealth of Nations (ICN). It traces its roots back to the Organization of Iberoamerican States, which was founded in 1949 with the aim of fostering cooperation among Iberoamerican nations. However, it was in 1967 that the organization underwent a significant transformation and was reestablished as the Hispanoamerican Union under the leadership of Mejico, which was emerging as one of the world's dominant powers at the time, and Spain.

The establishment of the Hispanoamerican Union was marked by the signing of the Madrid Charter, a historic document signed by Salvador Abascal, Francisco Franco, Alfredo Strößner, and Fernando Belaúnde, leaders of Mejico, Spain, Argentina, and Peru, respectively. The charter laid out the objectives and principles of the newly-formed political and economic union, which aimed to strengthen the ties among former territories of the Spanish Empire. It emphasized the historical and cultural bonds shared by these nations and the potential for collaboration in various fields, including politics, economics, and culture. The charter was eventually signed by most Iberoamerican nations, with the notable exceptions of Central America and Charcas.

Under the leadership of the Hispanoamerican Union, the member countries embarked on a journey of regional integration and economic development. The organization aimed to promote economic cooperation and collaboration among member states, with a focus on fostering self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on external entities. While the ICN upheld corporatist principles, advocating for closer collaboration between the state and private sector, it primarily emphasized the development of domestic industries and the support of local businesses. While larger corporations existed within member countries, the ICN's policies aimed to ensure a balanced economic landscape that prioritized the well-being of local communities and sustainable development.

Over time, the Hispanoamerican Union evolved and expanded, merging with the Lusophone Community after Portugal's victory in its 1973 Colonial War. At first, Portugal, Brazil, and Timor-Novo Alentejo became signatories of the Madrid Charter, with Angola, Barocelia and most of Portuguese Africa joining as member nations in 2000, and Sofala joining in 2013 after the fall of its Communist regime. This transformation reflected a broader shift towards the recognition of the diversity and equality of all member countries. The ICN became a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and collective decision-making among its members.

The Madrid Charter continues to serve as the guiding document for the ICN, shaping its objectives and providing a framework for its activities. The charter underscores the importance of sovereignty, emphasizing the autonomy and independence of member states while fostering collaboration and mutual support. While upholding the principles of Falangism and Integralism, the ICN seeks to establish a political and social order that aligns with its core values. These values prioritize the preservation of traditional cultural and religious identities, the promotion of social cohesion, and the preservation of a hierarchical societal structure. The ICN operates under a model that ensures the authority of the state and the central role of the Catholic Church in shaping policies and guiding the moral compass of the member countries.