The leader of Spain's main opposition party has called for former King Juan Carlos to return from self-imposed exile, citing his role in the transition to democracy nearly half a century ago. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, head of the conservative People's Party (PP), stated on social media: "I think it would be desirable for the king emeritus to return to Spain. He has acknowledged undeniable mistakes in his past, but he who contributed to sustaining our democracy and freedoms at a key moment should spend the last stage of his life with dignity in his own country."

Juan Carlos, 88, ascended the throne in 1975 after the death of his mentor, dictator Francisco Franco. He helped steer the country toward parliamentary democracy, and his actions were seen as instrumental in thwarting a coup attempt by pro-Franco forces in 1981, securing his popularity among many Spaniards for decades.

However, he abdicated in 2014, two years after it emerged he had been elephant hunting in Botswana with his mistress Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn during Spain's economic crisis. Further scandals followed, including revelations of a $100 million payment from the late king of Saudi Arabia and an offshore fund in Jersey. In August 2020, he left Spain to live in the United Arab Emirates, where he has resided since.

This week, the government's declassification of about 150 documents related to the 1981 coup attempt highlighted Juan Carlos's actions during that period, prompting Feijóo's call for his return. The PP has previously expressed similar views about the former monarch, but this appeal has been particularly bold and has reignited debates about Juan Carlos's future.

The socialist-led government, which has criticized Juan Carlos while supporting the monarchy as an institution, sought to distance itself from the issue. Justice Minister Félix Bolaños said: "The decision of the king emeritus depends on him, on the Royal Household, not on the government or the opposition."

While many, mainly on the political right, support the idea of ending his exile, it would not be straightforward. In his memoir published last year, Juan Carlos revealed tensions with his son, King Felipe, after his abdication. His return would present logistical challenges, such as housing, financial arrangements, and his relationship with Queen Sofía, to whom he is still married but who has remained in Spain.

Ana Romero, an author who has written extensively about Spain's monarchy, noted: "For him to return, he would need to want to return in the only way possible, which is accepting the rules his son sets: to behave in a transparent and exemplary way." The Royal Household stated that the decision to return is his alone, but also specified that to safeguard the "image and reputation" of both the former king and the monarchy, "Juan Carlos should have his tax domicile in Spain."

Source: www.bbc.com