On Politics (Part 1): The King of Spain

Spain has – compared to the rest of Europe – an amazingly interesting recent history. If you would ask any Dutch school boy which side Spain fought on during the Second World War he would first look a bit confused and then guess “the allies?”. The poor and naive boy is not to blame for his unknowingness: this stuff is simply not taught in schools throughout Western Europe. Spain, of course, did not participate in the Second World War, but was in stead ‘neutral’. The dictator at the time – General Franco – however supported the Nazi regime morally after they had helped him gain power during the Spanish civil war (1936-1939).

The Generalissimo rained for almost 40 years before dying a natural death in 1975. Spain then entered one of its most interesting and dynamic periods in its rich history: the transition. Books and books have been written about the man and will power to transform Spain back into a democracy. As we will find out King Juan Carlos I played a major part in securing the democracy. After waiting over 30 years for Franco to hand over power he skilfully approached key political figures – lead by the charismatic Adolfo Suarez – to ensure that the healing could begin.

Ever since Spain has been a divided country for many reasons, some of which I will discuss in the following weeks. All of what you will read I have found out only this year because the fascinating (political) history of Spain is one of the best kept secretes of Europe. I will introduce the main figures of present day politics through which I hope to give you all a better idea of the situation down here in Spain. The series will start with King Juan Carlos I.

The King: Juan Carlos I
It is of course strange to start a political series with a King – who shouldn’t have too much to say on these things – but as we will see he is at the heart of modern Spain politics and many still thank him for his efforts without which there probably wouldn’t be the stability there is today.

The King is still a popular figure today. One must understand that Franco had actively restrained Juan Carlos’ grandfather Alfonso XIII and father Juan from playing any part in governing the country. Strangely enough the dictator had confidence in the young Juan Carlos to take over the rains after his death. Almost immediately after the last breath of Franco the King put into action a plan he had been thinking of for years and years: to bring back a stable and fair democracy.

Many claim that without Juan Carlos Spain would never have had the stability of today. Indeed, when a coup was intended by Antonio Tejero in 1981, it was the strength and wit of Juan Carlos and Adolfo Suarez who together stabilized the country and withheld the coup. The combined impressive images of Adolfo Suarez – who dramatically refused to take cover when the militants stormed the parliament – and the King – who after a TV blackout appeared on television to calm everybody down – ensured that Spain would not fall back into a militant regime. Both men are still loved for this. Throughout the nineties the King remained an influential figure and many still regard him as the head of state. He has more political power than the Dutch or English Queens who both fulfil a more symbolic role. However, recently he and his family have come into some stormy weather. It all started some months ago when – after some heavy republican criticism – the King had to publicly defend the authority of his throne during an address at the University of Oviedo. This was followed by the burning of his photo by a group of leftist youths, which still is an illegal act here in Spain. Two weeks ago the King and Queen controversially visited Ceuta and Melilla, the two Spanish conclaves in North Africa where they were fiercely greeted by Moroccan protesters.

This week the controversy flared up again after the King – at a summit between Latin American-Hispanic countries – told Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to “shut up”. After Chavez refused to stop calling former Spanish prime minister ‘a fascist snake’ and continued babbling whilst current PM Zapatero was speaking, the King raised his voice and snared ‘por que no te callas?’ (why don’t you just shut uo) without using the polite form of Usted (and thus seemingly talking to a five year old). Not long after this the King walked out of the discussion in disgust.

We saw this impressive clip just before having lunch on Sunday and my first question was: “what was the King doing at this summit anyway?” I was explained that he still has influence and that many South Americans regard him as their King as well. I feel divided. For me, a monarch should have no political power because he has not been chosen by his people. However, the actions of the King has made people very proud here in Spain and I guess that if his power stays as limited as it is now I have no problems with that.

However, I am a monarchist. I believe that monarchs – present day monarchs that is – bring stability. Whenever there is political trouble a monarch can publicly speak out without being part of the political scene. This was famously the case when Queen Beatrix of Holland spoke to the nation following the murder of filmmaker Theo van Gogh by a Moroccan youth. Had the prime minister appeared on TV, or an Imam, or the leader of the opposition (which they all did), things wouldn’t have calmed down because they are politically bounded – and thus biased – to an ideology. The Queen – who doesn’t belong to the political elite – isn’t so she could reach out to all, not just the white Dutch middle class.

This is basically what Juan Carlos did all those years ago: clamed people down without branding people with a political view point. The King is the biggest ambassador of the country and was educated all his life to fulfil this role. I don’t buy the argument that he shouldn’t because he wasn’t chosen. His political power is very limited and he fulfils his symbolic power majestically. A parliamentary-monarchy is a proven system with success. When a country is in turmoil, like Holland was following the death of right wing politician Pim Fortuyn it is essential to have a non-political figure remaining as head of state. (I would like to remind the readers that 1,5 million people voted for a dead person and that therefore non-political stability is essential).

For now, it seems the King has won back admirers after his display against Chavez. These coming months there will be a lot of mud throwing between the two major political parties – the PP and PSOE – as elections are coming-up in March. Let’s hope this doesn’t lead to turmoil for the King to show his strength once again. Next week I will discuss the political right – the PP – who in my view has led miserable opposition in these last four years.