Over the New Year period king Juan Carlos celebrated his 70th birthday with a trip to Spanish troops in Afghanistan, being the macho man of the Royal family he enjoys action sports and visiting the military.

But many view the end of last year and the next coming few years as a time when the King needs to reinforce the strength of the monarch.

After the demonstrations of last year that saw the Spanish flag and pictures of the King and Queen being burn`t in the street, which has never happened before, is felt by many that the age of the King, future of the Monarch is in doubt.

Many Spaniards view the Monarchy as a symbol of an artificially created Spanish state.

Since the Chevez incident which many believe could have been a planned attack by the King to regain some public opinion.It could have been a risky move as many Spaniards support Chavez and his dictatorship.

The future situation is similar in Spain to the UK and the Queen and Prince Charles, the King is not about to abdicate the thrown.

The veteran commutator Jaime Penafiel foresees a turbulance ahead "We`v got a Monarchy, but not Monarchists" he recently commentated."Spaniards are Juan carlistas, they support the person, not the institution.And thats a risk, it remains to be seen if they take to Felipe".

The reason though that people put so much importance on the King and the Monarchy is due to the past two civil wars, and many view the loss of the King as a reason for a troubled and worrying future.

There is still support for the two main parties that caused the civil wars, one is in power now, the other was in power previously.And both are not happy about lossing power to the other.

Discuss

Recent survey showed that approx 62% of Spaniards believed that a Monarchy was the best system for Spain,there doesnt appear to be groundswell of support for a Republic,however as stated buy OP that is mainly due to support for Juan Carlos,could change if and when the Crown Prince tajes the throne

The reference to the UK Monarchy is due to the fact the Queen needs to be replaced does she use Charles and possible the Monarchy losses its public popularity.

The Queen will probably die on the thrown, as will Spains king

In Spain does the King pass to Felipe who like Charles hasn`t got the same public opinion.

As for references and links, this site states that you cannot use a language other than English and any references need to be in English or they`ll be removed.

If your Spanish is good, google references.

I`ll post translations.As above, but please don`t get all annoying and ask for proof, I`m simply disscussing opinions, not the meaning of life.

What?


By that rationale anyone can say anything and they simply reply........."don't ask me for proof, I am simply discussing it and it will get annoying"

Ye Gods Lee, you've read the rules

I think you can post links to non english sites ..... the "posted" language of the site is english

But there not very simple.

Cool, do you think many here will be able to read them though.

The EITB24 site is good in English though.

As for proof, Spain is far behind the UK for putting stuff on the net and with such a sensitive subject that many Spaniards don`t like expressing in public, it can be difficult, when suggesting that Spain is a Facist state run by Francists and Carlisters.

Oh and many Expats don`t have much thought towards the past and possible future of Spain in that way.

RULES???? There are rules

Only 70!!!!! I thought he was nearer 80.

"Por que no te calla!"

Juan Carlo 1
REY DE ESPANA