Golden Fleece Honor: Felipe González Remembers Spain's Path to Democracy

Former Prime Minister Felipe González was honored with the Golden Fleece by King Felipe VI during a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of King Juan Carlos I's coronation. The event celebrated González's significant contributions to Spain's entry into the European Union and his enduring commitment to political activity nearly three decades after leaving La Moncloa. In his remarks, González highlighted the vital need for Spaniards to preserve civil peace, emphasizing that this peaceful coexistence is essential for a stable democracy. He reminded attendees that respect for one another during a time of political tension is crucial, asserting that mutual respect is a revolutionary gesture that can help bridge divides in contemporary Spanish society. González shared the distinction of the Golden Fleece with Miquel Roca and Miguel Herrero, the last living authors of the Spanish Constitution, as well as former Queen Sofía of Greece, who was recognized for her steadfast support of democratic ideals during tumultuous times following the exile of former king Juan Carlos. Reflecting on Spain's political transition, González expressed gratitude towards key figures including his predecessor Adolfo Suárez, former PCE leader Santiago Carrillo, and King Juan Carlos, who all played instrumental roles in Spain's peaceful transition to democracy. He stressed that without their leadership, the peaceful transition would not have been achievable, although it is notable that he mentioned no women in this context. At 83 years of age, González declared he remains active in political discourse, noting that the core historical question for Spain is the coexistence of its diverse people. He firmly rejected the notion that Spain harbors a fundamental problem as a nation, asserting instead that the real challenge lies in the relationships among its citizens. He remarked, "Confrontation as a principle is harmful to all peoples, but it has proven to be most extreme for ours," calling for a framework of lasting, widely supported civil peace. This civil peace, he stated, relies on three essential pillars: political freedom, social equity, and cultural and territorial diversity, each interconnected in preserving a common national project. González also addressed the younger generation, encouraging them to foster pride in being the children of democracy rather than remnants of the Civil War. He invoked the spirit of Federico García Lorca, stressing the importance of remembrance as a means to navigate and shape the future. In closing, he left a poignant message for the Princess of Asturias, underlining that understanding the past is crucial for interpreting what lies ahead. As he stated, "Memory is essential; if, as García Lorca wrote, memory is recalled towards tomorrow, then we must honor it to build a better future for Spain." Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2