The Christmas address by King Felipe VI has landed him squarely in the crosshairs of criticism from the left-wing political parties Podemos and Sumar. They have described his speech as 'disappointing' and 'right-wing,' lamenting the monarch's failure to address pivotal societal issues, such as gender-based violence, climate change, and migration.
Podemos leader Ione Belarra did not mince her words when reacting to the King’s message shared on X (formerly Twitter). "This king is nothing more than the depressing project of the Spanish right. What weariness," she expressed, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the royal institution. She went so far as to wish for the end of year speeches to be delivered by the president of the Republic instead, sparking discussions about the future of Spain’s monarchical system. "Is anyone else here wishing for the end-of-year speeches to be delivered by the president of the Republic?" she questioned.
Belarra's sentiments were echoed by Sumar, which characterized the King's address as lacking substance and relevance to the modern Spanish populace. Their official account on X articulated sharp critiques, arguing the King's remarks overlooked significant social and political issues. "The DANA was not just administrative coordination failure but climate denial and political negligence. To label migration as a problem is serious. Even more grave is failing to mention gender-based violence or sexual assaults," they emphasized.
Sumar also expressed discontent with the King's treatment of housing issues, criticizing him for discussing it without responding to recent public protests demanding reform. Instead of addressing citizens' needs, they claim he focused instead on maintaining existing economic frameworks tied to real estate speculation. "What’s needed is to stop speculation," they asserted, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.
Further criticisms from Sumar included the exclusion of references to pressing international crises, such as the 'Palestinian genocide', the war in Ukraine, and the climate crisis. They described the King's discourse as confined within the outdated paradigms of the 1978 constitution, which seemingly resonates little with younger generations. "A speech trapped within the paradigm of '78 doesn’t speak to almost anyone today, especially to the younger crowd," they concluded.
Verónica Martínez Barbero, Sumar's spokesperson, utilized Bluesky to amplify these critiques, condemning the King's comments as "absolutely irresponsible," especially for attributing the effects of DANA to political actions. Her remarks highlighted the expectations of the top figure of the state to adequately address issues like climate change, feminism, and social rights.
King Felipe VI's speech played on themes of tranquility and call for dialogue amid Spain's intensely polarized political climate. He commented on the 'clamorous' desire for serenity within Spanish society, cautioning against discord turning to noise blocking the listening of citizens' true needs. A move viewed kindly by some, but it did little to satisfy critics who felt misrepresented or ignored.
While Belarra and Sumar harshly critique the King, others, like the leader of the opposition Alberto Núñez Feijóo of the Popular Party, showed solidarity with the monarch's words. He praised Felipe VI’s acknowledgment of Spanish solidarity and the advocacy for the common good.
The PSOE also refrained from sharp critiques and instead noted agreement with Felipe VI’s call for serenity in political life, aiming at consensus for advancing wellbeing for all Spanish citizens. They reflected upon how the monarchy continues to work for the public amid adversity.
Yet, the controversy stirred by the King's Christmas speech speaks volumes about the current political climate and calls for accountability from Spain's leaders, both royal and elected. The exchange between the monarchy and leftist parties signals broader debates on the future political structure of Spain, the recollection of social priorities, and who gets to voice those concerns.
The near-universal agreement on the need for highlighting significant issues reveals much about the expectations modern citizens have for their leaders. Amid this criticism, it's clear the speeches and statements issued by the monarchy will continue to face scrutiny, especially when the realities of ordinary citizens demand more than ceremonial addresses during the festive season.
