In his Christmas address on Wednesday evening, King Felipe called for exemplary conduct from all public authorities and appealed for dialogue and democratic coexistence. He warned that the challenges citizens face and the tension they perceive in public debate are causing them "weariness, disenchantment, and disaffection".
The King referred to the "disturbing" crisis of confidence facing democratic societies in a turbulent world, where multilateralism and the world order are in crisis. "This reality seriously affects the morale of citizens and the credibility of institutions."
He spoke of "red lines" that cannot be crossed, such as respect of language and listening to others' opinions. "I am speaking of exemplary conduct in the performance of all public authorities; also of empathy and of the need to place human dignity, especially that of the most vulnerable, at the centre of all discourse and all policy."
Current times are "certainly demanding". Many citizens feel that the rising cost of living limits their opportunities for advancement; that access to housing is an obstacle to the plans of so many young people; or that the speed of technological advances generates job insecurity.
But the King recalled how, over the past 50 years, Spain has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to respond to internal and external challenges "when there is will, perseverance, and a national vision". He called on all citizens to preserve their trust in democratic coexistence, noting that "extremism, radicalism, and populism thrive on this lack of trust, misinformation, inequality, disenchantment with the present, and doubts about how to approach the future".
"Without looking at anyone, without assigning blame to others, what can each of us do to strengthen this coexistence? Our own ideas can never be dogmas, nor those of others threats. Progress consists of taking steps, with agreements and compromises, but in the same direction, not at the expense of the other’s downfall."
The transition to democracy had been a collective exercise in responsibility, and so he appealed for democratic coexistence, on the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the transition period, highlighting the courage shown by its protagonists. "A transition that arose from the shared will to build a future of freedoms based on dialogue." Those who guided that process "ultimately ensured that the Spanish people as a whole became the true protagonists of their future and fully assumed their sovereign power".
Despite their differences and doubts, they managed to overcome their disagreements with courage - "the courage to move forward without guarantees, but united, which is one of the most valuable lessons they taught us".