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Spain’s King makes plea for unity as he opens parliament
King Juan Carlos of Spain has called for unity and commitment from politicians to get the country through its worst financial crisis in decades. The appeal came as he officially opened the Spanish parliament in Madrid. The King and other royals received a standing ovation as they entered the chamber. It was the first parliamentary session since Mariano Rajoy took over as prime minister. Rajoy’s government has a mammoth task on its hands when it comes to getting Spain’s economy back on track. “I am sure the representatives will know how to work together to solve the conflicts and problems we will face,” King Juan Carlos said, as he addressed parliament. “We have to trust in ourselves, we will also have to transmit that confidence to citizens.” The King’s appearance came as a fraud investigation continued to engulf his son-in-law. Inaki Urdangarin is accused of siphoning off funds from public contracts, awarded to a non-profit organisation he headed up between 2004 and 2006. He denies the allegations. More about: Economy, Financial Crisis, Mariano Rajoy, Parliamentary debate, Spain