Why the Spanish king missing Franco's death ceremony is a big deal
07 January 2025
The Spanish left-wing government wants to claim the anniversary of dictator Franco's death from far-right nationalists and instead convert it into a pro-democracy landmark. But now, the king is set to miss the opening of the 50th anniversary. While the royal house cited a schedule clash as the reason behind the king's absence, a historical debt may be what is really at play.
Philip is king today partly thanks to Franco, who, a few years before his death, appointed Juan Carlos I of Bourbon, Philip's father, as his successor. Franco wielded absolute power, with no separation of powers or democratic checks and balances. His regime did not tolerate dissent, and political decision-making was concentrated entirely in his hands and those of his close circle.
Franco’s choice to appoint Juan Carlos I was part of his plan to secure the continuation of his regime after his death. However, Franco likely underestimated Juan Carlos's intentions.
After the dictator died in 1975, Juan Carlos I became king, but rather than continuing Franco's authoritarian legacy, he played a crucial role in dismantling it. Juan Carlos facilitated the democratic transformation of Spain, known as La Transición. This period involved legalising political parties, holding free elections, and drafting a democratic constitution.
 | Carlos Caselles In Spain, the king plays a largely ceremonial role. He's a symbol of the country's unity and acts as its highest representative abroad, his agenda being tightly monitored, when not entirely drawn up, by the government. But he still gets to make some calls, and if you ask me, this is one of them. By attending the ceremony meant to celebrate democracy, the king could show he's broken with said historical debt – and missing this opportunity equally sends a signal. |
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