In Spain, the memoirs of former monarch Juan Carlos I continue to spark debate, with the country’s former prime minister suggesting they could significantly shape public perception of the current king. José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero believes that the book’s publication only highlights how different Felipe VI is from his father and how his reign represents a step forward for the Spanish monarchy.
Zapatero notes that the personal recollections of the ex-king, in which he openly discusses his relationship with Francisco Franco, did not surprise him. In the book, Juan Carlos I does not hide that he owed his coronation to the dictator, describing their frequent meetings and expressing respect for Franco’s political qualities. According to the former prime minister, these revelations only deepen the divide between two generations of monarchs, making Felipe VI’s persona more appealing to the public.
The former prime minister also shared that while the Ley de Memoria was being discussed, Juan Carlos I felt uncomfortable, often recalling who had secured his place on the throne. Despite mixed reviews, Zapatero emphasizes that his relationship with the former king has always remained proper, and he does not intend to reconsider it in light of the new publications.
Political challenges and support for continuity
Speaking about the future of the monarchy, Zapatero expressed hope that Princess Leonor will not only preserve but also build upon her father’s achievements. He believes that strengthening the monarchy is crucial for the country’s stability, and that generational succession plays a key role.
In the political arena, Zapatero also addressed current events. He criticized the actions of the Partido Popular (PP) regarding the crisis in the Valencian Community that followed Carlos Mazón’s resignation. In his view, the Socialists (PSOE) have every chance to reclaim leadership in the upcoming elections, provided they maintain confidence in themselves.
Relations with Junts and judicial issues
The former prime minister paid special attention to relations with the Catalan party Junts. According to him, the arrest of one of the key Socialist representatives, Santos Cerdán, seriously complicated dialogue between the parties and jeopardized previously reached agreements. Nevertheless, Zapatero believes it is necessary to continue seeking compromises and to respect all participants in the negotiation process.
In conclusion, he commented on the situation surrounding the Attorney General, who is under investigation in a case involving the disclosure of confidential information. Zapatero emphasized that every citizen has the right to a fair trial and that respect for the decisions of the Tribunal Supremo is the foundation of the rule of law.
