Spain’s former king leaves country after scandals linked to Gulf states

MADRID, Aug. 4 (YPA) – The former King of Spain, Juan Carlos, 82, has decided to leave his country, migrate to a second country, and not return to the royal palace, according to a statement on Monday announced by the royal palace.

This came against the background of the king’s involvement in corruption cases related to regimes of the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia.

In June, the Spanish Supreme Court opened an investigation into the involvement of Carlos in a contract for a high-speed railway in Saudi Arabia, after the Swiss newspaper “La Tribune de Geneva” reported that he had received $ 100 million from the late King of Saudi Arabia.

The palace’s statement quoted Carlos in his letter to his son as saying: “I have the desire to do the best for the benefit of the Spanish people and their institutions. And you, as king, I inform you of my decision … to leave Spain at this time. ”

King Felipe thanked his father, Carlos, for his decision, highlighting the “historical significance that his father’s rule represents” for democracy in Spain.

He also stressed on the principles and values that underlie (democracy) in Spain.

YPA