25 Dec, 2011 @ 18:29
1 min read

Unemployment is unacceptable, says King of Spain

SPAIN’S King has hit out the “unacceptable” unemployment rate the country is currently suffering.

King Juan Carlos has called for the country to unite to pull through its economic hardship, with the unemployment rate at over 21 per cent.

“We all know that the path of recovery will not be short nor easy, that it will require sacrifices,” he said in his Christmas broadcast. “It is a crisis that is surely set to change our economic and social habits.”

And in reference to a corruption scandal that is currently embroiling his son in law he censured “irregular conduct” by public officials.

“I am enormously worried by the lack of trust that seems to be spreading in some sectors of public opinion with regard to the credibility and prestige of some of our institutions,” the King, 73, said in his televised address.

“All, absolutely all people with public responsibilities, have a duty to observe appropriate conduct,” he added.

In the scandal, judges are investigating alleged corruption involving a charitable organisation formerly run by Inaki Urdangarin, 43, the Duke of Palma de Mallorca.

Urdangarin, a former Olympic handball player, is married to the King’s youngest daughter, Princess Cristina.

The royal palace this month froze Urdangarin out of its official activities.

Jon Clarke (Publisher & Editor)

Jon Clarke is a Londoner who worked at the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday as an investigative journalist before moving permanently to Spain in 2003 where he helped set up the Olive Press. He is the author of three books; Costa Killer, Dining Secrets of Andalucia and My Search for Madeleine.

Do you have a story? Contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es

7 Comments

  1. What politician could have said this ? For me this is one reason why a Constitutional Monarchy is always slightly better than a Republic lead by a political President.

  2. PM – if you think so. The distinct ADVANTAGE of an elected President is that the people can vote to throw the bum OUT if he deserves it. What do you do with a King & cost/benefits to the people?

  3. The is is a culture in Spain that becoming a mayor is to line your pockets with silk. This should be stamped out, everyone just accepts it. Cortes once the richest village in Malaga is now handing out food parcels, the locals just shrug

  4. com’on Fred estate agents are seriously over-qualified and extremely underpaid for the service they provide to mankind, especially in Spain……. they come right after or before used car dealers, politicians, lawyers and last but surely not least stock-traders under 25 (and over)

    La creme de la creme so to say …… or is it the cream of the cream ?

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