Spanish Congress approves abdication of Juan Carlos I

Spanish deputies approved this Wednesday the abdication of King Juan Carlos I, to give rise to the proclamation of Philip VI, despite calls for a referendum about monarchy or republic.

The law was adopted by 299 votes in favor, 19 against and 23 abstentions by Deputies.

Smaller parties opposed to the monarchy had tabled five amendments to decide via referendum whether to continue or if Spain becomes a republic. The chamber rejected them by a large majority.

“We must decide on the abdication and only about the abdication” and not on “the succession of King Juan Carlos I by his son the Prince of Asturias”, said Socialist leader Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba.