President of the Government announces decision by King of Spain to abdicate

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

The President of the Government, Mariano Rajoy, spoke at Moncloa Palace to convey the will of King Juan Carlos of Spain "to renounce the throne and begin the process of succession". The reasons for his decision, explained the President of the Government, will be personally communicated by the King to the people of Spain during the course of this week. Mariano Rajoy said 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".

The President of the Government announced 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. As this involves an abdication, he explained, 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", said Mariano Rajoy. The process, he added, "will take place with complete normality and within a context of institutional stability, as yet another demonstration of the maturity of democracy in Spain".

A beacon and symbol of coexistence

The President of the Government said he is 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, he praised "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". Furthermore, he recalled that King Juan Carlos was the greatest advocate of democracy upon his accession to the throne and a bastion of strength when he saw a threat to said democracy, as well as "the best spokesman and the best image of the Kingdom of Spain throughout the world and a tireless advocate of our interests in every way he could contribute to the improvement of the well-being of the Spanish people".

Mariano Rajoy also expressed his "complete and utter confidence" in 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", he said.