This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27672997

The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Spanish cabinet to discuss King Juan Carlos's abdication Spanish cabinet to discuss King Juan Carlos's abdication
(35 minutes later)
The Spanish cabinet is to discuss the next steps in the process of King Juan Carlos's abdication and the accession of his son, Crown Prince Felipe.The Spanish cabinet is to discuss the next steps in the process of King Juan Carlos's abdication and the accession of his son, Crown Prince Felipe.
The king announced on Monday his intention to abdicate after nearly 40 years on the throne.The king announced on Monday his intention to abdicate after nearly 40 years on the throne.
Ministers will discuss the steps needed to approve Crown Prince Felipe's accession to the throne.Ministers will discuss the steps needed to approve Crown Prince Felipe's accession to the throne.
Juan Carlos was seen as popular for much of his reign, but recently many Spaniards have lost confidence in him.Juan Carlos was seen as popular for much of his reign, but recently many Spaniards have lost confidence in him.
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said the cabinet would consider "constitutional measures" needed to clear the way for the succession.Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said the cabinet would consider "constitutional measures" needed to clear the way for the succession.
The Spanish constitution does not have a precise law regulating abdication and royal succession.The Spanish constitution does not have a precise law regulating abdication and royal succession.
Mr Rajoy's emergency cabinet meeting will draft an abdication law which must then be approved by parliament. Correspondents say that the process could take as long as a month.Mr Rajoy's emergency cabinet meeting will draft an abdication law which must then be approved by parliament. Correspondents say that the process could take as long as a month.
The two main parties in parliament remain loyal to the monarchy.The two main parties in parliament remain loyal to the monarchy.
But most left-wing parties are opposed and staged demonstrations attended by tens of thousands of people across many cities including Madrid and Barcelona.But most left-wing parties are opposed and staged demonstrations attended by tens of thousands of people across many cities including Madrid and Barcelona.
"Send the Bourbons to the sharks!" protesters chanted in Madrid. The Spanish royal family is a branch of the House of Bourbon."Send the Bourbons to the sharks!" protesters chanted in Madrid. The Spanish royal family is a branch of the House of Bourbon.
Many demonstrators are demanding a referendum on the future of the monarchy.Many demonstrators are demanding a referendum on the future of the monarchy.
Spanish media say Prince Felipe will be proclaimed King Felipe VI by parliament on 6 June and a coronation ceremony will be held soon afterwards.Spanish media say Prince Felipe will be proclaimed King Felipe VI by parliament on 6 June and a coronation ceremony will be held soon afterwards.
It is not clear when exactly that will be - King Juan Carlos was crowned five days after parliament proclaimed his as king.It is not clear when exactly that will be - King Juan Carlos was crowned five days after parliament proclaimed his as king.
The new king will inherit an institution that has been tarnished by scandals in recent years.The new king will inherit an institution that has been tarnished by scandals in recent years.
He will have to contend with a long-running corruption investigation into the business dealings of his sister and her husband.He will have to contend with a long-running corruption investigation into the business dealings of his sister and her husband.
Support for the monarchy fell further when it was discovered that Juan Carlos had been on a lavish elephant hunting trip to Botswana in April 2012, in the middle of Spain's financial crisis.Support for the monarchy fell further when it was discovered that Juan Carlos had been on a lavish elephant hunting trip to Botswana in April 2012, in the middle of Spain's financial crisis.
Stabilising forceStabilising force
Juan Carlos took the throne in 1975, after the death of General Francisco Franco, the dictator who had ruled for 36 years.Juan Carlos took the throne in 1975, after the death of General Francisco Franco, the dictator who had ruled for 36 years.
The king became Spain's first crowned head of state for 44 years.The king became Spain's first crowned head of state for 44 years.
But he soon ignored Franco's supporters, who wanted an extension to autocratic rule, and ushered in a new system of parliamentary monarchy.But he soon ignored Franco's supporters, who wanted an extension to autocratic rule, and ushered in a new system of parliamentary monarchy.
In later years he became more of a figurehead.In later years he became more of a figurehead.
He has been credited as a stabilising force for independence-minded areas such as Catalonia and the Basque region.He has been credited as a stabilising force for independence-minded areas such as Catalonia and the Basque region.
Prince Felipe and his wife - former television presenter Princess Letizia - have recently taken on more important roles in ceremonial events.Prince Felipe and his wife - former television presenter Princess Letizia - have recently taken on more important roles in ceremonial events.
Felipe appears to have been untarnished by the scandal.Felipe appears to have been untarnished by the scandal.
But the BBC's Ignacio del los Reyes, in Spain, says there is still concern over whether the couple will be able to save a damaged institution.But the BBC's Ignacio del los Reyes, in Spain, says there is still concern over whether the couple will be able to save a damaged institution.
Recent European AbdicationsRecent European Abdications
Are you in Spain? What is your reaction to the king's abdication? What next for the Spanish royal family? You can email your comments to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using the subject line 'King Juan Carlos'.