It had been almost two years since former Spanish King Juan Carlos set foot in his country. Exiled to the United Arab Emirates following allegations of embezzlement, the former monarch’s visit has drawn widespread criticism. About 300 people demonstrated in Madrid this Sunday against his reappearance.
Holding signs reading ‘Justice’ or ‘Le Bourbon, en Prison’, the 300 protesters, according to a government spokesman, gathered in a square in front of the Royal Theater, very close to the Royal Palace, to criticize the former head of Spanish state ( 1975-2014).
closed cases
The 84-year-old ex-king, who had not returned to Spain since August 2020, arrived on Thursday to compete in a regatta in Sanxenzo, Galicia (northwest) until Sunday. On Monday he has to travel to Madrid, notably to see his son, King Felipe VI, and his wife Sofia, before leaving on the same day for Abu Dhabi “where he has established his permanent and stable residence,” the palace said on Wednesday evening.
Juan Carlos’ brief visit comes after the Spanish courts dropped investigations into corruption and money laundering against him in March. But revelations about the murky origins of his fortune forever tarnished much of Spanish public opinion for the figure, who for decades was revered for spearheading Spain’s democratic transition after the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.
” It’s a shame “
The government of the socialist Pedro Sánchez – which according to the media has spoken out against allowing him to stay in the Royal Palace of Zarzuela, the official residence of Felipe VI. – allow me, is still awaiting “explanations” from him for his behavior.
“It’s a shame that the king emeritus has returned to this country to hold a regatta, it’s a shame that he hasn’t returned to account to the courts and citizens,” commented Sonntag Ione Belarra, general secretary of the Radical Left Party Podemos, on the sidelines of a party meeting, member of the coalition government.
” Long live the king “
In the port of Sanxenxo, where this weekend Juan Carlos boarded the “Bribon”, the sailboat with which he became world champion, dozens of curious onlookers cheered him and greeted him with shouts of “Long live the King, long live Spain”. .
“He does what suits him, in accordance with his rights and freedoms,” commented the leader of the People’s Party (PP, Conservative), Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who defended his visit.