Where is Juan Carlos? Spanish media speculated on Tuesday on the arrival of ex-king Juan Carlos in the Dominican Republic but, since the announcement the day before his departure into exile, the Royal Palace has refused to disclose any information. All the press took for granted that the former monarch, targeted by an investigation for corruption, had left the territory as of Monday although neither the Royal Palace nor the government confirmed it.
On the front page of the website of the daily ABC , favorable to the monarchy, an article said on Tuesday that Juan Carlos, 82, had visited the Dominican Republic. El Mundo and La Vanguardia have followed suit and write that he intends to stay with friends for a while in this Caribbean country.
Unless it is in Portugal?
But the online newspaper El Confidencial writes that he could be in Portugal, where he spent his early childhood, but also in France or Italy, where he has parents. The Royal Palace declined to comment on these speculations. "The only information we have is that which was published yesterday on the Royal House website," a spokesperson said.
The Palace had published the letter from Juan Carlos to his son Felipe VI in which he announced his decision to move away from Spain in order to help him "to exercise his responsibilities". Since his accession to the throne in June 2014, the sovereign has strived to restore the image of the monarchy marred by suspicions of corruption.
Suspicions of corruption
The ex-king had already abdicated because of the scandals but they are pursuing him. Swiss justice is investigating a commission of $ 100 million he allegedly received from Saudi Arabia on an account in Switzerland in 2008.
The Spanish Supreme Court announced in June the opening of an investigation into his possible criminal responsibility but only for acts committed since his abdication. Until then, he was covered by royal immunity.
Juan Carlos had ascended to the throne in 1975 upon the death of dictator Francisco Franco who had chosen him to succeed him and led the country's transition to democracy. He was popular for a long time before his image was tarnished by his connections and suspicion of corruption.
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