Spain: the wishes of King Felipe VI dominated by the Covid-19 and the absence of Juan Carlos

During his traditional Christmas speech, King Felipe VI did not mention the name of his father, King Emeritus Juan Carlos, in exile in Abu Dhabi since last August.

Rather, his speech was dominated by the health crisis.

Casa de SM el Rey / AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

During his traditional Christmas speech, the Spanish King Felipe VI looked back on the past year and lavished his vows as every year since his ascension to the head of the kingdom 8 years ago.

The Covid-19 pandemic dominated his speech, on the other hand he avoided talking about angry subjects.

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With our correspondent in Madrid

,

Diane Cambon

Was King Felipe VI going to evoke the internal crisis which has weakened the Spanish monarchy for several years?

King Felipe VI has not once mentioned the name of his father, King Emeritus

Juan Carlos

, in exile in Abu Dhabi since last August.

Yet it was on this subject that a large part of the Spanish people wanted to hear from the sovereign.

His father who has just settled accounts with the tax authorities by paying 700,000 euros less than a month ago.

His Majesty Juan Carlos openly wished to return to Christmas in Spain for the holidays, but under the pressure of the Spanish government, but also that of the royal house, will finally spend them alone in the United Arab Emirates.

Felipe VI was satisfied with a simple allusion to ethical principles which are “ 

above family or personal ties

 ”.

His speech was dominated by the pandemic and called on the Spaniards to continue their effort to overcome the health and economic crisis.

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To listen: Covid-19: cross-border workers in Gibraltar are the first Spaniards to be vaccinated

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  • Spain

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