King's Christmas speech - reactions

(Photo: casareal.es)

MADRID His Majesty King Juan Carlos gave his traditional Christmas speech at 9pm on Christmas Eve (which is when most Spaniards are sitting at the table for their celebration). It was watched by 7.16 million people, according to the ratings. Most of the reactions by politicians and the media refer to the fact that the speech included a reference to the Royal Household's problems with the King's son-in-law, Iñaki Urdangarín, who is being investigated for 'deviating public funds' and has been 'demoted' from Royal appearances and found a job in the US. Practically the only criticism of the speech is that there was too little reference to the fact that the terrorist group ETA says it has abandoned 'violence'. There was, certainly, much referring to the economy and how 'we must all pull together in the same direction' (not HM's words, just our conclusion).