Without respect for the Constitution there is no democracy or coexistence possible; There are no freedoms but imposition, there is no law but arbitrariness. Outside the Constitution there is no Spain in peace and freedom. And together with the Constitution, Spain.” With these forceful words, the King has made this Christmas Eve a call to preserve the integrity and identity of the Magna Carta, to prevent “the germ of discord from establishing itself among us. "We can't afford it."
In what has been his tenth speech since its proclamation in 2014, Felipe VI has dedicated most of his Christmas message to vindicating the values of the Constitution, whose promulgation marks 45 years. A message in an internal key, in which only explicit reference has been made to the challenges that Spain faces and the concerns of the Spanish people and, as a background, an implicit reflection on the climate of division and discord that has been installed in the political class affecting institutions and citizens' trust. Unlike previous messages, the Head of State has not included in his words phrases related to the problems the world is going through, such as wars or the climate crisis, only a small reference to the Ibero-American and European vocation of Spain with a mention expresses the semester of Spanish presidency of the Council of the EU. The entire speech, a Christmas Eve classic, has revolved around unity, loyalty and constitutional values, even the reference to Princess Leonor's oath before the Cortes was minimal and linked it to the 45th anniversary of the Magna Carta .
The King began by remembering that, for almost five decades of democratic life, coexistence between Spaniards has been based on shared feelings and the common search for the well-being and prosperity of all. After pointing out the evidence that "in Spain every citizen has the right to think, express himself and defend his ideas with freedom and respect for others", the King recalled that "democracy also requires basic and broad consensus on the principles that "We have shared and that have united us for several generations."
Union, as a supreme value, has been another of the constants of the Christmas message of the head of state who gave the Constitution the merit of having managed to overcome the division that, he said, “has been the cause of many errors in our history; that opened wounds, fractured affections and distanced people.” “Unity,” the King concluded at this point, “must rest on the values that govern all democratic coexistence: freedom, justice, equality and political pluralism.”
But the Magna Carta is not only an abstract legal norm, it is also, in the words of the King, the framework that allows us to ensure our model of life: “to express ourselves freely, receive education, have employment, or protect oneself from illness; as is also access to housing, starting a family, having social help or having a decent retirement. All these daily events are those that the Constitution protects, guarantees and protects.”
For the King, the Constitution must be vindicated not only as a democratic value of the present and future, but also "as an essential instrument and guarantee so that the lives of Spaniards can continue to flow with confidence, stability and certainty." And it was at that point that the King called on all State institutions to conduct themselves with “the greatest responsibility and always seek the general interests of all Spaniards.” “Each institution, starting with the King, must place itself in the place that constitutionally corresponds to it, exercise the functions attributed to it and fulfill its obligations and duties.” The King has not left out a mention of the necessary unity between the different territories, “based,” he said, “on the solid ties of the State with our autonomous communities and on the solidarity between all of them.”
The King continued by pointing out that “we must always ensure the good name, dignity and respect of our country”, before remembering that “Spain has had, throughout history, the responsibility of influencing the course of Humanity.” ”, while “she has overcome her own periods of tragedy, silence, isolation and pain to influence.” “We should,” added the King, “become more aware of the great country we have, in order to feel it more and take care of it together.”
With these premises, the King has listed the challenges facing the country, which are mandatory for public powers: guaranteeing the young generations the legacy of a united, cohesive Spain, with a desire for understanding, and solid in their democratic, civic and moral convictions.”
Felipe VI has not forgotten to include in his message a reference to the economic and social difficulties that affect the daily lives of many Spaniards. A concern that is expressed, especially, in relation to “employment, health, the quality of education and the price of basic services.” Placing special emphasis on “unacceptable violence against women”, and, in the case of young people, “access to housing”. “I have no doubt,” he added, “that unity will also be the key for us to successfully face the serious and complex challenges of the future.”
The King concluded his words with a message of hope, stating that, despite the difficulties, Spain will continue to move forward. “With determination, with hope, we will do it together; conscious of our historical and current reality, of our truth as a nation” to reiterate their institutional and personal commitment. “The Crown will always be on this path; “Not only because it is my duty as King, but also because it is my conviction.”
