Spain’s King Felipe VI urged the country to safeguard ‘democratic coexistence’ from the dangers of growing polarisation in his Christmas address to the nation.
The appeal comes at a time of heightened political strain, with corruption investigations and sexual harassment allegations weighing on the fragile minority government led by Socialist (PSOE) Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
The right-wing opposition has repeatedly attacked the government and pressed for early elections. Sánchez, however, has rejected calls to step down, arguing that his administration and family have been targeted by a sustained smear campaign. ALSO READ: Spain’s main opposition party claims the ruling socialists are in ‘irreversible decline’.
‘Citizens also perceive that tension in the public debate causes weariness, disenchantment and disaffection,’ Felipe said in his traditional speech broadcast from Madrid’s Royal Palace.
‘Extremism, radicalism and populism feed off this lack of trust, disinformation, inequalities, disenchantment with the present and doubts about how to face the future.’
The king’s remarks came in a year marking the 50th anniversary of the death of General Francisco Franco, whose passing in 1975 brought an end to his 36-year dictatorship and set Spain on a difficult road back to democracy. ALSO READ: Spain plans 480 more events to ‘celebrate recovery of democracy’ following Franco’s death 50 years ago.
‘Coexistence is not an everlasting legacy. It is not enough to have received it: it is a fragile construct,’ Felipe cautioned.
‘It is up to all of us to preserve confidence in our democratic coexistence,’ he said, adding: ‘In democracy, one’s own ideas can never be dogmas; nor can those of others be threats.’
The 57-year-old monarch also stressed the need for ‘dialogue’ and called for ‘exemplary conduct in the performance of all public authorities’. ALSO READ: Disgraced former king defends his legacy in video ahead of memoir release.
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter from Spain in English.
🔴 #EnDirecto | Mensaje de Navidad de Su Majestad el Rey 2025.#MensajeNavidadRey https://t.co/OyoOOuVyd7
— Casa de S.M. el Rey (@CasaReal) December 24, 2025
Click here to get your business activity or services listed on our DIRECTORY.