King and crisis

The economic crisis is in danger of becoming a regular feature of the annual Christmas televised speech given by King Juan Carlos. The monarch mentioned it first in his 2008 address, prompted by the shockwaves that were already hitting many Spanish households hard as a result of the financial earthquake whose epicenter was Wall Street. The following year, this country's head of state again brought the subject up, and he chose to close 2010 by dedicating much of his message to the matter.

This time round though, the king did not limit himself to simply recognizing the reality of a crisis that "has gone on longer, and hit more deeply than was expected." Aside from encouraging Spaniards that they were able to overcome the crisis through their efforts, he echoed the government's line that the country must "work together on the necessary reforms, and keeping our promises regarding spending and the deficit." This was accompanied by an admission that the crisis has "put into relief the structural imbalances and deficiencies that we need to sort out together efficiently and quickly."

The king also made special mention of the most vulnerable victims of the crisis, particularly those who have lost their jobs, and young people who have not yet been able to reach the first rung on the employment ladder. At the same time, he recognized the sacrifices that have been made, and continue to be made, by other sectors of society, whether they be civil servants and public sector employees, the self-employed, the professional classes, small businesses, and pensioners.

This time round, King Juan Carlos made no mention of the country's politicians, as he did last year, calling on them to "apply a strong sense of state, regarding those in government, as well those in opposition." He even went so far on that occasion to ask the two main political parties to explicitly "seal a major accord on education," echoing his repeated calls in this regard, and in recognition of the key role of education in creating a productive model that is competitive and that can make a major contribution to helping the country out of the current crisis. Sadly, his words appear to have fallen on deaf ears over the past 12 months. The king would thus seem to have more faith in the electorate than in the people they elect, limiting himself this time to a vague reference to the need for political parties to work together and to put the interests of the country before their own.

King Juan Carlos also found time in his televised address, as ever, to remind his subjects that Spain is a great nation, "proud of its diversity and its plurality." He also highlighted the need to end terrorism, and to show support for its victims. On a more positive note he remembered this country's sporting achievements in 2010, closing his speech by noting that he would continue to meet his constitutional responsibilities in the service of Spain, saying: "It is my duty, and my passion."