Spanish King Juan Carlos abdicates
Monday, 2 June 2014
Spanish King Juan Carlos will abdicate in favour of his son Prince Felipe, the premier announced Monday, ending a 39-year reign that ushered in democracy but was later battered by royal scandals.
The 76-year-old monarch, crowned in November 1975 after the death of General Francisco Franco, is stepping down dogged by health woes and with his popularity deeply eroded by scandals swirling around him and his family,
"His Majesty King Juan Carlos has just informed me of his desire to renounce the throne and begin the process of succession," Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said in an impromptu announcement to the media.
"The reason for the king's decision is something that he wants to communicate personally to the Spanish people this morning," the prime minister said, according to AFP.