Royal Central - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
King Felipe has attended the inauguration of the President of Argentina in a political ceremony which proved far less controversial for the Spanish monarch that his more recent engagements at home.
Felipe VI stood alongside world leaders for the swearing in which took place in Buenos Aires on December 10th 2023.
The Spanish king had arrived in the country the day before when he had had audiences with the incoming President, Javier Milei, as well as the outgoing leader, Alberto Fernandez. He also met members of the Spanish community in Argentina at a special event at the country’s embassy in Buenos Aires.
Just days before, Felipe VI had been present at the opening of Spain’s parliament with the socialist led coalition of Pedro Sanchez taking power again. The decision to ask Pedro Sanchez to form a government has proved controversial for King Felipe and led to sharp criticism. Spain’s general election was inconclusive.
The conservative Partido Popular won the most seats but not a majority and failed to form an administration. Felipe VI then asked the socialist party, the PSOE, led by Pedro Sanchez to try, stating this was in line with the country’s constitutions. However, Pedro Sanchez formed a controversial coalition to take power and demonstrations against it, including some further attacks on Felipe VI, have taken place in several Spanish cities since.
The visit to Argentina proved calmer for the king who has also had to contend with fallout from a new book on the country’s monarchy which has seen a former brother in law of Queen Letizia make claims about his relationship with the Spanish consort.