The emeritus king, Juan Carlos I, is scheduled to attend a bullfight soon, on a visit that, according to what has been reported by Mundotoro, will take place without occupying the traditional institutional box or a seat reserved for authorities. Nor has it been revealed, for the moment, who his companion will be during the day.
A bullfighting enthusiast, the former head of State will attend to witness the performance of one of the bullfighters distinguished with the Andalusia Medal for Culture and Heritage 2026.
Criticism by PACMA for its presence
The visit has already sparked reactions, especially from the animal rights sector. The PACMA party has expressed its “rejection” of the emeritus' return in this context, considering that it represents a “public exaltation of animal abuse”.
His president, Javier Luna, has pointed out that Spanish society is advancing “faster in ethical terms than institutions”, and has criticized that certain public figures maintain positions far from that evolution. Likewise, he has recalled the controversy of the hunting trip in Botswana in 2012 and has demanded a clear stance in favor of animal welfare.
A sporadic presence in Spain
Juan Carlos I left Spain in August 2020 and settled in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, in a context marked by the investigations of the Prosecutor's Office into alleged tax crimes.
After the archiving of said investigations in 2022 —due to the statute of limitations on the facts or due to his inviolability—, the emeritus resumed his visits to Spain, although always on an occasional basis and for brief periods, generally linked to sporting events, medical consultations or family gatherings.
The tax factor, key in your residence
Since his departure from the country, the emeritus king has not established his tax residence in Spain. In fact, if he were to remain more than 183 days a year in national territory, he would be obliged to pay taxes in the country, something that currently does not happen.
In this regard, he/she regularized his/her situation with the Tax Agency through the payment of more than four million euros to avoid possible criminal liabilities for tax fraud.
Political debate on its return
The possible stable return of Juan Carlos I has been the subject of political debate in recent years. While some sectors have defended his return, the Royal Household has insisted that he could return whenever he wishes, provided that he also establishes his tax residence in Spain.