Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has described corruption allegations surrounding the country’s former king, Juan Carlos I, as ”worrying and disturbing.”
The political leader spoke out after being asked during a press conference whether the allegations were damaging the Monarchy. Sanchez replied that the claims were‘’worrying’’ adding that they ‘’disturb everyone, including me.’’
The Spanish Prime Minister continued ‘’there are media that won’t look the other way, a judiciary that is taking action and the Palace is distancing itself.’’
Spain’s Supreme Court began an investigation in June 2020 into the involvement of King Juan Carlos in a high speed rail contract in Saudi Arabia. The former monarch has always refused to speak on the matter.
In March 2020, King Felipe VI renounced any personal financial inheritance he was due from his father and also ended Juan Carlos’ royal allowance.
Juan Carlos ruled Spain from 1975 until his abdication in 2014. He is widely credited with bringing democracy to Spain after decades of dictatorship. However, his reputation has suffered in recent years. He was widely criticised for a hunting trip he took to Africa while still monarch while allegations of financial irregularity and the conviction of his son in law, Inaki Urdangarin, on charges of embezzlement have further damaged his reputaiton.