Politicians react to royal bombshell

Reaction to Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s announcement this morning that King Juan Carlos was to abdicate did not take long to arrive. Meanwhile, the Royal Household’s webpage was unavailable as a result of a sudden spike in traffic.

Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, the outgoing leader of the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE), underlined the magnitude of the announcement, saying that “the decision of his Majesty the King to renounce his role as head of state” is one of the most important political developments “since [Spain’s return to democracy.” He continued by saying that “this decision culminates a reign that has constituted an unbreakable commitment to democracy and to the rights and freedoms of Spaniards.”

For the federal coordinator of the United Left bloc (IU), Cayo Lara, this is the moment for a referendum so that “the people can decide if they want a monarchy or a republic,” or, what he considers to be a choice between “monarchy or democracy.” He said that now was “the time for the people, for the people to decide and to speak.” In his opinion, “it is inconceivable that in the 21st century we are still talking about the rights of blood,” something he described as being “incomprehensible” for citizens.”

If the government believes that Prince Felipe has people’s confidence, it should be tested at the polls” Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias

The leader of Podemos, the surprise new party to emerge from last Sunday’s European elections, Pablo Iglesias, called for a referendum on the monarchy. “This abdication will accelerate the decomposition of the political regime of 1978,” the young party leader told EL PAÍS from Brussels. “If the government believes that [Prince] Felipe has the confidence of the people, it should be put to the test at the polls.”

The minister for foreign affairs, José Manuel García Margallo, thanked the king for the work he has done for peace, freedom and prosperity “for all Spaniards,” and added that the abdication would “absolutely not” mean a period of instability for the Spanish monarchy.

For his part, the regional leader in the Basque Country, Iñigo Urkullu, said the decision of the king “opens the door to the possibility of resolving the Basque question,” in reference to the region’s long-standing quest for independence from Spain.

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