Institutional statement by the President of the Government

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

Good morning, everyone.

His Majesty King Juan Carlos has just informed me of his wish to renounce the throne and begin the process of succession. The reasons that have led the King to this decision are something that His Majesty wishes to personally communicate to the people of Spain during the course of this morning.

I would like to say that the King is convinced this is the best time to change the Head of State and transfer the Crown to the Prince of Asturias in order for the process to take place with complete normality.

For my part, I will call an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers to be held on Tuesday 3 June so that the constitutional requirements in this regard can be met. I can tell you that, as this involves an abdication, it will be necessary for a Constitutional Law to be approved pursuant to Article 57.5 of the Spanish Constitution. I expect that the Parliament of Spain will soon be in a position to proclaim the Prince of Asturias as King of Spain.

I am convinced that the people of Spain will no doubt write this new page in our history books within a climate of peace and tranquillity, and with enormous gratitude to His Majesty the King. In this regard, I would like, as President of the Government, to pay tribute to the man who, for 39 years, has represented a beacon for all Spanish citizens and the best symbol of our coexistence in peace and freedom.

He was the greatest advocate of democracy upon his accession to the throne from which he now steps down. He was a bastion of strength when he saw a threat to said democracy. He has been the best spokesman and the best image of the Kingdom of Spain in every corner of the world and a tireless advocate of our interests in every way he could contribute to enhancing the well-being of the Spanish people.

The king now renouncing the throne is a historic figure so closely bound to democracy in Spain that one cannot be understood without the other. We all owe him a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.

I would also like to express our strongest confidence in the man who, under the Spanish Constitution, is being called upon to replace His Majesty - the Prince of Asturias. His preparation for accession, his personality and the extensive experience in public affairs he has gained over the last 20 years constitute a sound guarantee that he will perform his duties as Head of State accordingly and meet the most demanding of expectations.

Finally, I would like to tell you all that this process will take place with complete normality and within a context of institutional stability, as yet another demonstration of the maturity of democracy in Spain.

Thank you very much.