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Spain's new king Felipe VI is sworn in by parliament | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Spain's new king, Felipe VI, has been proclaimed head of state in a ceremony in parliament. | |
Earlier, King Felipe received the royal sash from his father, Juan Carlos, at the Zarzuela Palace near Madrid. | |
He acceded to the throne at the stroke of midnight after Juan Carlos formally abdicated on Wednesday. | He acceded to the throne at the stroke of midnight after Juan Carlos formally abdicated on Wednesday. |
Correspondents say the ceremonies have been kept low key, at a time when many in Spain are suffering economic hardship. | |
The ceremony takes the form of a proclamation rather than a coronation. It is the first royal transition in Spain since democracy was restored in the 1970s. | |
The new king, 46, swore an oath promising to uphold the constitution. | |
Congress President Jesus Posada then proclaimed him king, declaring: "Long live Spain! Long live the king!" | |
In a speech to parliament, Felipe thanked his parents and said he had "great hope" for the future of Spain. | |
"You will find in me a loyal head of state who is ready listen and understand, warn and advise as well as to defend the public interest at all times," he said. | |
"The monarch wants to be close to citizens… ensuring it can preserve its prestige and dignity." | |
"Now more than ever, citizens of Spain are rightly demanding fundamental ethical principles should govern our public life. The king should not only be a reference but who serves all citizens of Spain." | |
No foreign leaders or royal families have been invited to the event. | |
He and his wife Letizia will later be driven through Madrid's streets before appearing on the front balcony of the Royal Palace. | |
Correspondents say the new king faces a series of tough challenges if he is to restore the reputation of the monarchy. | Correspondents say the new king faces a series of tough challenges if he is to restore the reputation of the monarchy. |
Although Juan Carlos won plaudits for his role in restoring democracy, his image suffered when he went on a luxurious African elephant-hunting safari in the midst of a recession. | Although Juan Carlos won plaudits for his role in restoring democracy, his image suffered when he went on a luxurious African elephant-hunting safari in the midst of a recession. |
His reputation suffered further damage because of tax fraud allegations made against his daughter, Cristina, who is reported not to have been invited to the succession party. | His reputation suffered further damage because of tax fraud allegations made against his daughter, Cristina, who is reported not to have been invited to the succession party. |
At the same time many Spaniards are demanding a referendum on whether to have a monarchy at all. | At the same time many Spaniards are demanding a referendum on whether to have a monarchy at all. |
A demonstration is scheduled to take place in central Madrid on Thursday, the same day as the enthronement, despite a ban imposed by authorities. | A demonstration is scheduled to take place in central Madrid on Thursday, the same day as the enthronement, despite a ban imposed by authorities. |
The BBC's Chris Morris in Madrid says Felipe will face the dual challenge of trying to rehabilitate the monarchy and trying to unify a country in which a vocal minority favour republicanism. | The BBC's Chris Morris in Madrid says Felipe will face the dual challenge of trying to rehabilitate the monarchy and trying to unify a country in which a vocal minority favour republicanism. |
The succession has been endorsed by both of Spain's main political parties. | The succession has been endorsed by both of Spain's main political parties. |