Less Than Half of Spaniards Support Monarchy, Survey Finds

62 percent of Spaniards are in favor of the abdication of King Juan Carlos and only 49.9 percent support the monarchical system, five points less than 12 months ago, according to a survey released today.

The poll by Sigma Dos, for the newspaper El Mundo, was conducted from December 28 to 31 and released today, on the 76th birthday of the Spanish monarch, a week before knowing if his youngest daughter, the Infanta Cristina, will be charged in a corruption case.

In the 12 months since the previous survey, support for the reign of Juan Carlos dropped nine points with only 41.3 percent of followers.

In addition, 56.2 percent have a fair, poor or very poor vision of the current reign, while 69.4 thinks the king is unable to regain the prestige lost by the Crown.

These figures show a marked deterioration when taking into account that in early 2012 76 percent had a positive view of the King, 70 percent supported the Prince and 60 percent the monarchy as a symbol of stability.

The deterioration of the royal image was felt since April 2012, when due to an accident it was discovered that the king was hunting in Africa without public knowledge while spending millions while the country had entered an economic crisis.

Later the husband of the Infanta Cristina, Inaki Urdangarin, was linked to a case of embezzlement and money laundering that makes her suspect too, a decision that the trial judge should take next week.

The lowest rate is particularly strong among young people, because according to the survey, 78.5 per cent of Spaniards between 18 and 29 favor the abdication of Juan Carlos.

Among the positive aspects for the monarchy the poll reflects that 67 percent accepts Queen Sofia and 66.4 Prince Philip, five points higher than last year.

56.6 percent believe that, unlike his father, Prince could restore the lost prestige of the Bourbon dynasty in Spain. (PL)