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King Juan Carlos Born in exile during the era of the republic, Juan Carlos was the son of Infante Juan Duke of Barcelona he was chosen by Generalissimo Francisco Franco to be his successor in 1969. In his last days in 1975 Franco gave Juan Carlos full power and upon his death the Cortes proclaimed him King of Spain. He oversaw the transition of the country to a democracy and was instrumental in stopping an attempted coup by members of the military. In 1982 a socialist government was voted in which largely ended the King's active participation in government. Throughout his reign King Juan Carlos has worked to keep Spain united and strengthen ties with the nations of the former Spanish Empire. He is known for his informal and friendly style, his love of sailing and for famously telling the Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez to 'shut up!' Source: youtube |
