Disrupting Tradition: Spanish Republicans Rally Against Monarchy’s Christmas Speech

In an attempt to overshadow the king’s Christmas speech, Spanish republicans are rallying for action. Encouraging individuals to switch off their TVs and create a symphony of noise during the address, they aim to disrupt the traditional tranquility of the event. This call to action comes in the wake of a turbulent year for the Spanish royal family, marked by controversy and scandal.

José Manuel García, representing the republican group Encuentro Estatal por la República, anticipates a variety of protests from different factions. Their strategy involves synchronizing the silence of switched-off televisions with a cacophony of sounds, drowning out the king’s words. This echoes the success of a previous protest in March, which saw widespread participation during the lockdown.

King Felipe, who ascended to the throne in 2014, has sought to distance himself from the shadow cast by his father, Juan Carlos. Allegations of financial impropriety and involvement in controversial deals have plagued the former monarch, prompting Felipe to renounce any personal inheritance from him. Despite efforts to disassociate from the scandal, the cloud of suspicion continues to hover over the monarchy.

As the nation awaits Felipe VI’s Christmas message, there is anticipation and scrutiny from various quarters. Politician Gerardo Pinarello of the left-wing party Podemos emphasizes the importance of addressing the allegations surrounding Juan Carlos. Silence or indifference from the current monarch would be perceived as a weakness, undermining the credibility of the institution.

Against the backdrop of ongoing investigations and public outcry, the upcoming speech holds significant weight for the monarchy. It is not merely a ceremonial tradition but an opportunity for King Felipe to address the concerns and expectations of the Spanish people.