Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has spoken out in favour of abolishing the constitutional immunity of the monarch.
"I don't think that this status is necessary for the head of state," the socialist politician told an interview with radio station Cadena Ser on Monday.
Sanchez wanted to initiate "a debate to update the constitution."
Royal inviolability is no longer appropriate "in a democracy consolidated after more than 40 years," Sanchez said.
The Spanish constitution grants the monarch complete legal immunity. However, more and more people are calling for its abolition after several alleged cases of misconduct by former king Juan Carlos, who abdicated in June 2014, came to light in recent years.
Juan Carlos' protection was restricted after his abdication. Since then, the 83-year-old father of King Felipe VI can be held legally accountable, but only by the Supreme Court and only for criminal acts that were demonstrably committed after his abdication.
Felipe continues to enjoy total immunity. Unlike his father, however, the 53-year-old has so far not been suspected of any criminal offence.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia receive Prime Minister Sanchez at a reception on the occasion of the Spanish National Day. Photo: La Moncloa.
Exiled
Juan Carlos has been living in exile in Abu Dhabi for over a year. He had secretly left his home country on August 3, 2020, to "facilitate" Felipe's work against the background of the accusations, as was stated in a letter published later.
The authorities have since initiated several investigations into him.
Among other things, there are allegations of money laundering and tax fraud, alleged bribe payments during the construction of a high-speed railway line in Saudi Arabia, allegedly undeclared donations and secret bank accounts abroad.
There were no statements from the royal household following the allegations.
