The ex-Spanish king who had fled was excited about his return. Citizens and government are not so much.
Former Spanish King Juan Carlos arrived in Spain last week. The visit lasted four days. AOP
Former Spanish king who went into exile two years ago Juan Carlos, 84, made a return to his homeland last Thursday. It’s just a visit.
He arrived in Spain on a Thursday night on a private flight. Over the weekend, Juan Carlos also visited a sailing event in Sanxenxo, among other places.
Juan Carlos is scheduled to meet his wife on Monday night Sofia and his son King Felipe in Madrid. Sofia and Felipe have never once visited Juan Carlos in exile. Instead, Juan Carlos ’daughters have visited their father last Easter.
The former ruler was not received by the visit alone with open arms. According to media reports, the country’s government vehemently objected to Juan Carlos staying overnight at the Royal Palace during his visit. He is said to have spent the night with a friend in Sanxenxo. Citizens are also protesting his visit to the streets.
Although some citizens have also opposed the king, shouting “Viva el Rey” or “Long live the king”.
Demonstrations
Juan Carlos has long enjoyed returning to Spain, but only now was the visit given the green light. The program of his four-day visit was not officially announced until the moment h. The former king did not give interviews to the media, but according to the Spanish publication El País, he is said to have been “very excited about his return”.
The former king was also said to be aware that his return has aroused much emotion.
Although the visit was also intended to normalize the status of the former king, the effect has been almost the opposite. Juan Carlos has been the culprit of the media and the payer of the flights of the former ruler, who has been ravaged by corruption, has also raised questions.
The visit will be expediently short, as Juan Carlos is already scheduled to hop on a plane to Abu Dhabi on Monday night.
Citizens opposed the king’s return to Madrid. AOP
Corruption scandal
Juan Carlos, who has been at the center of corruption scandals, relinquished his crown in 2014. About two years ago, he voluntarily exiled when his son, the current King Felipe VI, made his father realize that it would be good for him to leave.
The corruption scandals caused by Juan Carlos called the future of the entire royal house into question. Among other things, the ex-king is suspected of having received € 85 million in a Swiss bank account for arranging a contract for the construction of high-speed trains in Saudi Arabia for Spanish companies.
Among other things, Juan Carlos took part in the awards ceremony of the sailing competition. AOP
The former king is also suspected of having held credit cards from a foundation registered in the island of Jersey.
In addition, Juan Carlos has had ambiguities with the taxpayer, but has paid more than five million euros to the Spanish taxpayer during his exile.
Juan Carlos fled to the luxury island of Zaya Nurai in front of Abu Dhabi. Luxury is also enough in his new home with 1,050 square feet, six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, swimming pools and his own movie theater.
Juan Carlos moved, leaning on the walking stick. AOP