Barcelona attacks: Spanish king’s attendance at remembrance ceremony sparks controversy

In the aftermath of the Barcelona terror attacks, a demonstration called to epitomize the city’s determination to overcome fear and hatred turned controversial when the Spanish king confirmed his attendance. One year later, his presence at the upcoming remembrance ceremony is on track to being just as divisive.

“We did not invite him,” said Catalan president Quim Torra on king Felipe VI. With extremely poor approval ratings, the monarch is arguably one of the most unpopular figures in Catalonia, especially among pro-independence supporters.

The king’s response to last October’s referendum on independence, a televised speech in which he made no mention of police violence against voters, made matters worse. Torra recently stated that Felipe VI was no longer the king to Catalans, and pledged to never attend any event organized by the crown, nor invite the king to any event held by the Catalan government.

The king’s attendance at the remembrance ceremony was announced by the Spanish president last week. On Monday, president Pedro Sánchez defended the head of state from those who see him as a divisive figure, and stressed that he will be representing “the whole of Spanish society.”