A new political conflict is brewing in Spain’s Congress of Deputies: several parliamentary groups have announced their refusal to attend the official event marking the monarchy’s 50th anniversary. Among those boycotting are representatives from Sumar, Compromís, Esquerra Republicana, and EH Bildu. They say their decision is due to the Royal House’s continued reluctance, in their view, to clearly distance itself from the Franco era (Francisco Franco).
The event, scheduled for November 21, is set to take place in the lower house of parliament. The agenda includes a discussion of the monarchy’s role in Spain’s transition to democracy. However, for a number of deputies, this format is unacceptable: they argue that without a frank condemnation of the Franco regime and full transparency on key historical events such as the February 23, 1981 coup attempt (23-F), their participation is out of the question.
Even within the Sumar coalition, debate continues over whether to attend the anniversary; but most members seem to favor a boycott. According to opposition lawmakers, the monarchy still hasn’t offered a clear assessment of its past nor publicly condemned the dictatorship’s actions. What’s more, they are outraged that former King Juan Carlos I (Juan Carlos I), in memoirs published in France, openly describes his close relationship with Franco, fueling ongoing controversy over the monarchy’s role in Spain’s recent history.
Who will attend and what’s the agenda?
The organizers have invited prominent journalists and politicians to the event, including Miquel Roca and Miguel Herrero, both of whom participated in drafting the Constitution, as well as academic Adela Cortina and the head of the Center for Political and Constitutional Studies, Rosario García Mahamut. The discussion will be moderated by journalists Fernando Ónega and Iñaki Gabilondo.
Interestingly, Juan Carlos I himself has not been invited to any of the anniversary events. Since his abdication in 2014 and subsequent move to Abu Dhabi, he has not participated in official royal family functions. This decision reflects a desire to distance the current monarchy from controversial chapters of the past.
Public and Political Response
A boycott by several members of parliament has sparked widespread public debate. Once again, there are heated discussions about the role of the monarchy in modern Spain and the need to reconsider past events. For some, refusing to take part in the anniversary is a matter of principle; for others, it is seen as a sign of disrespect to national institutions.
While some politicians insist on the need for open dialogue about the past, others argue that such gestures only deepen divisions within society. One thing is clear: this year’s royal anniversary has become not just a reason to celebrate, but also a catalyst for renewed debate about the nation’s future and historical memory.
