In a bid to defend democratic values, the Spanish monarch calls for transparency and daily commitment from authorities and citizens alike, amid legislative debates.
In an address emphasizing the importance of democracy, King Felipe VI of Spain has called for the continuous defense of democratic values, urging both authorities and citizens to respect the separation of powers, transparency, and accountability.
Speaking at the closing session of the Ninth Ambassadors' Conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which saw participation from 130 ambassadors as well as Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, King Felipe highlighted the ongoing need to uphold democratic norms.
The King's intervention comes at a time of political contention, with the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) proposing legislative changes that have sparked debate.
Last week, the PSOE put forward an Organic Law Proposal aimed at safeguarding fundamental rights against judicial harassment, informally dubbed the 'Begoña Law' by the opposition People's Party (PP).
Against this backdrop, King Felipe asserted that democracy is not merely a one-time achievement but a daily responsibility requiring diligence and balance between tolerance, pluralism, and rule of law.
Describing Spain as an open-minded and dynamic nation, King Felipe emphasized the country's pride in its history, advocating for a fair representation internationally.
He encouraged ambassadors worldwide to project a clear and reliable image of Spain, underscoring the commitment to European integration and a rules-based international order.
The King also acknowledged evolving global challenges, including security threats, climate change, misinformation, and even the questioning of democracy itself.
Addressing ambassadors, King Felipe reiterated that global challenges necessitate collective solutions, aligning with Prime Minister Sánchez's earlier positions.
He stressed the importance of adapting to rapid historical changes, such as the rise of non-state actors and the growing influence of social media on public opinion.
Furthermore, King Felipe called attention to shifts in global priorities, including the need for regulatory frameworks in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Despite the potential benefits of technological advancements, he warned of the associated risks that require cautious management.
In preparing for a new political era with the upcoming inauguration of
Donald Trump as President of the United States, King Felipe advocated for reinforcing relations with Washington on a foundation of shared prosperity and security goals.
He highlighted Spain’s potential to contribute unique historical and cultural perspectives to hemispheric relations.
Turning to Latin America, the King spoke of the historical bonds between Spain, Europe, and the region, framing this as a strategic opportunity for future collaboration.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of maintaining amicable and cooperative ties with Morocco, citing the ongoing spirit of neighborhood relations.
King Felipe's comments reflect a broader call to action for Spain's diplomatic corps and underscore the nation’s commitment to its democratic principles in an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape.