Philip VI calls for “dialogue” but insists on unity and “solidarity” amongst all Spaniards

Barcelona (CNA).- “Spain can’t renounce itself nor its common heritage, from which it has to keep on building a shared future”, stated Philip VI, during his opening speech for the 12^th Spanish term of office this Wednesday. Although he didn’t refer specifically to Catalonia, Spain’s King called for “honest and loyal” dialogue between the Autonomous Communities’ governments in order to “preserve fraternity and solidarity” amongst all Spaniards. A dialogue which has to be “within the law” since the courts’ decisions “ensure democracy and eliminate the arbitrariness of public power”, he stated. Philip VI also called on Spanish politicians to “dignify public affairs and give prestige to the institutions” since the deadlock over Spain’s new government and the lack of agreement regarding the investiture which led to “anxiety and unease”. 

According to him, dialogue and agreement are key aspects of any system which is based on freedom. “A dialogue which has to be honest and loyal, through which the Autonomous Communities’ governments preserve the standards of equality amongst all citizens and solidarity amongst all Spaniards. A dialogue which has to be motivated by the fraternity amongst all Spaniards”, he stated. 

In this sense, he stated that “Spain can’t deny being as it is, it can’t renounce itself nor its common heritage, from which it has to keep on building a shared future”. He also referred to Spain’s history to defend that 40 years ago Spaniards were able to unite for peace and start a path of agreement, by recognising political plurality, territorial and linguistic diversity. “We can never thank enough the courage of those who put all their heart into achieving reconciliation between Spaniards”, he assured.

As for the future, Philip VI aims to enhance the welfare state and regenerate democracy. According to him, corruption has to be firmly fought until it becomes “a sad reminder of a scourge which has to be defeated”.

Dealing with political plurality

The King also referred to the 300-day period during which there was an acting government in power in Spain and noted the lack of agreement over the investiture, which led to the calling of second elections in June this year. A situation which caused “anxiety, unease, annoyance, a rift between citizens and political affairs and concern amongst partners and allies”. In this sense, he expressed his satisfaction and celebrated that the crisis over forming a new government in Spain was finally overcome thanks to “dialogue, responsibility and generosity”.

According to Philip VI, the political pluralism that emerged from the Spanish elections requires “constant dialogue, generosity, respect and agreement”. “Spaniards, who have shown us the way to sense and good judgement, call us to dignify public affairs and give prestige to the institutions”, he stated.

This Wednesday’s was the first term of office opening presided over by Philip VI. Pro-independence left wing ERC refused to attend the ceremony, held in the Spanish Parliament, as did Basque nationalists ‘Bildu’.