we have the reason and the explanation

According to sources from both Moncloa and Zarzuela, Felipe VI and Sánchez have spoken about the matter and have confirmed “their alignment”. But the truth is that the King will not be able to attend the opening ceremony of the program ‘Spain: 50 years in freedom’, scheduled for next January 8 at the Reina Sofía Museum, due to official commitments on your agenda. From Moncloa and the Royal House they have stressed that There is total alignment between the Head of State and the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchezafter having addressed this issue in their recent weekly conversations.

The Government has confirmed that the King will participate in other key events within the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the death of Francisco Franco. And this is corroborated by Zarzuela sources. Among them, stand out an institutional visit to the former concentration camps of Auschwitz and Mauthausen and his presence in an act that will highlight the role of the monarchy in the democratic transition of Spain.

Institutional commitment on January 8

The reason for the King’s absence on January 8 lies in the ceremony for the delivery of credentials to six new ambassadors assigned to Spain, including the representation of the United Kingdom, Alexander Ellis. This event, essential for diplomats to be able to fully assume their duties in the country, will take place in the Royal Palace from 10:30 a.m. until after 1:00 p.m.

Furthermore, according to Zarzuela, the choice of the date responds to the impossibility of postponing the event, given that the following day, January 9, the traditional reception for the diplomatic corps accredited in Madrid is scheduled. The participation of new ambassadors in this event requires that they have previously presented their credentials.

Moncloa has assured that the program on the 8th aims to “celebrate the great social, economic and institutional transformation” that Spain has experienced since the beginning of the Transition in 1975. To this end, a broad representation of Spanish society has been summoned. , including businessmen, unions, academics, non-governmental organizations and members of the Cortes Generales.

The absence of Felipe VI at this inaugural event has sparked some controversy, partly encouraged by statements from the Popular Partywhich has announced that it will not participate in these activities. Conservative sectors, in addition, allude to Franco and the 50th anniversary of his death as the usual smokescreen of the socialist Executive to distract from other truly relevant problems.

The general secretary of the PP, Cuca Gamarra, described the Government’s initiative as a political strategy and stated that her party commemorates the Transition and the Constitution “every day”, avoiding “instrumentalizing the past.”

Commemorative calendar in 2025

In December, President Sánchez announced the launch of a commemorative program that will include a hundred events organized by a High Commissioner and a scientific committee of experts. This plan seeks to reflect on the evolution of Spain since the end of the dictatorship and strengthen the country’s democratic memory.

By confirming their participation in significant events throughout the year, Casa Real and Moncloa intend to reinforce the King’s commitment to his constitutional and commemorative role in this important anniversary.