Spain’s scandal-hit former king Juan Carlos returns home after nearly two years in exile
- Once revered for his role in Spain’s transition from dictatorship to democracy, he fell from grace amid revelations about the murky origins of his fortune
- The ex-monarch fled to the United Arab Emirates, and his return to Spain has drawn widespread criticism
Spain’s former king made his first trip home on Thursday after nearly two years in exile following a string of financial scandals, sparking widespread criticism.
Although prosecutors closed their probes into Juan Carlos’ affairs in March, revelations about the murky origins of his fortune have done irreparable damage to a figure once revered for his role in Spain’s transition to democracy following decades of dictatorship.
“What we’ve heard in recent years has been very worrying for everyone regarding the institution of the head of state,” Economy Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Nadia Calvino told Cadena Ser radio.
“There’s no doubt we need some explanations.”
The 84-year-old former monarch arrived on Thursday evening by private plane in Vigo in northwestern Spain ahead of a three-day regatta in the nearby resort of Sanxenxo. His yacht, the Bribon – Spanish for “rascal” – is taking part, and is the same vessel with which he and his crew won the world sailing title in 2017.