The emeritus king Juan Carlos I has stated that for Felipe VI "things must be very difficult" with the current Spanish Government. The phrase appears in an interview granted to the French newspaper Le Figaro, published this Saturday and conducted during his recent visit to Paris, where he received an award for his memoirs, Reconciliation, at the French National Assembly.
According to the French newspaper, the conversation took place at the Plaza Athénée hotel in the Gallic capital and revolved around the Spanish political situation, the evolution of the monarchy, and his own institutional legacy.
What he said about Sánchez and Felipe VI
During the interview, Juan Carlos I assured that the relationship between the Crown and the Executive is going through a complex moment. "At this moment, with the current Government, things must be very difficult for my son", he pointed out in reference to Felipe VI and the Government presided over by Pedro Sánchez.
The former monarch also made a reflection on the country's direction: “Times change and Spain has changed… in what direction?”, without elaborating further on that idea. Furthermore, he stressed that he continues to carefully measure his words despite having abdicated in 2014: “Even though I am no longer king, I have to be careful with what I say, with the slightest word.”
Monarchy, meetings with the Government and Leonor
Juan Carlos I recalled that during his reign he held weekly meetings with the President of the Government and suggested that this institutional dialogue has lost weight over time. He also explained that on his official trips he usually went accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, something that —as he hinted— no longer happens today.
In defense of the monarchical system, he maintained that it provides stability and embodies the unity of the country by placing itself above political parties.
Regarding Princess Leonor, heir to the throne, he stated that she should have greater public visibility: "She should be more in the front line", because he considers that she transmits "a very good image of the monarchy".
Personal balance and message from Paris
The emeritus also reviewed his career and assured that he dedicated his life to Spain and the throne. In one of the most striking sentences of the interview, he stated: "I gave freedom back to the Spanish people by establishing democracy, but I could never benefit from it myself."
These statements come just a week after receiving recognition in the French National Assembly for his memoirs, where he defended feeling proud of the “radical and positive” transformation Spain has undergone during his reign.