The Legacy of February 23: Unpacking Our Debt to the King

What does it really mean to firmly assert that the king stopped the coup? Is it a reminder of our gratitude to facilitate his return from exile? Do we owe the king a debt that overshadows what he owes us? Does one action compensate for another, or does saving democracy erase the stains of corruption and tax evasion? I find myself wondering if we will have to wait 45 years before the truth about the secret files from February 25 is revealed. Yes, you read that right; I wrote February 25 and not February 23 because I refer to February 25, 2026, when the highly anticipated secret documents from February 23, 1981, will be declassified, complete with a grand announcement: the king stopped the coup. And there we go, no further questions, Your Honor. Move along, thank you, Your Majesty. In my lifetime, I cannot recall a moment of such unanimous coverage from major media outlets. This past Thursday, every prominent publication echoed the same phrase: the King stopped the coup. No mention of February 23; only the king's decisive action. The secret files confirm the narrative of Juan Carlos I’s role, declaring definitively that 'The King stopped the coup.' On the radio and television, the message was identical. More than those intriguing yet potentially misleading secret files from February 23—filled with omissions, dubious documents lacking authorship and dated claims—I am more curious about the files of February 25. It feels as if royalist parties and media are conspiring to rehabilitate the emeritus king by portraying him as the hero in this coup d'état narrative. Interestingly, the released secret documents might even outpace academic inquiry that has taken root over four decades. Researchers and journalists have presented comprehensive work outlining the positions of various key players, including that of the king before and during the coup. Although some documents have been cleared of implying his wrongdoing, claiming that there are no hidden or destroyed records is a leap of faith that strays from the truth. This context sheds light on Núñez Feijóo's desire for the emeritus king to return to Spain, fostering reconciliation with those who 'saved democracy' and supported our freedoms. Similarly, many will begin to amplify this sentiment in the coming days. But, I ask, is that what this is about? Are we reiterating our thankfulness to ease his return from tax exile? Do we truly carry a debt to the king that cancels out the debt he has towards us? Does one action justify the other? Can the salvation of democracy absolve corrupt acts and tax misconduct? Moreover, can other citizens absolve their tax obligations through exemplary behaviors? Lastly, who is truly stopping the king from returning? After all, it was he who chose to relocate, and he has the freedom to return whenever he sees fit for leisure activities and gatherings with friends and family. Ah, but the matter isn't just about his presence; it concerns his grand entrance. Thus, the discourse continues. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2