Spain´s Valued Institution

As King Juan Carlos celebrates 30 years on the Spanish throne, the liberal daily El País published an interesting poll on Tuesday that reflects what people in Spain say about their monarch. Fifty-nine percent of Spaniards believe that the monarchy is neccessary for the continuation of democracy in their country. About 79 percent of those interviewed also believe that King Juan Carlos has done a fine or good job as the constitutional head of state, the newspaper reported. Spaniards also say that the crown is their country´s most valued institution followed by the press, parliament and local governmental body, the El País poll states. Seventy percent also give the king´s successor, his son Felipe, the prince of Asturias, high marks and say he is capable of taking over from his father (both seen above). About 1,000 people were interviewed for the poll, which was conducted between Nov. 7-8. It has a 3.10 plus or minus margin of error.

It was a quiet, low-keyed celebration for King Juan Carlos and his family. There were no parades or speeches. While Spaniards love a day home from work, the government surprisingly didn´t declare it a public holiday. Television specials and documentaries tracing the life of the monarch were transmitted during the day. Newspapers carried special pull out sections, and Radio Nacional de España´s classic station was to broadcast a special concert live from Tenerife auditorium in the Canary Islands with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia in attendance.