‘The Bourbons have played an important role in the unity of Spain’

Juan David Latorre

Cristina Barreiro, full professor of Contemporary History of Spain at the CEU-San Pablo University, will be the speaker at the next colloquium organized by The Diplomat in Spain and the Association of Foreign Diplomats (ADE) on July 8 at 6 pm at the Hotel Meliá Princesa, entitled ‘Los Borbones en España: from Philip V to Philip VI’.

-. Who better than you to detail the benefits or harms that the Bourbon Monarchy has brought to Spain?

The Bourbons have played an important role in the unification of Spain. Since Felipe V and even going through periods of territorial losses and potential at the international level that are unquestionable, the sense of unity among the Spaniards and in part also of hispanity has been something in which the Bourbons have had a responsibility. In the eighteenth century our country managed to position itself at the top of the enlightened movement, as a cultural and intellectual reference but also philanthropic. We were even relevant in the support that we gave to the Independence of the United States, something of which we will soon commemorate the 250th anniversary. We could not talk about Spain without the Royal Factories, which are inherent to an era, without the Royal Navy or for example, the philanthropic campaigns such as the vaccination against smallpox promoted by Charles IV.

We also had wars and conflicts, partly as a result of the revolutionary and Napoleonic irruption. The Bourbons were gone and Bayonne was an episode, perhaps, not very heroic. Like much of the reign of Ferdinand VII or of Isabella II herself. But let us not forget the force with which liberalism, romanticism, internal political divisions, the problem of succession or colonial loss broke out. But the Bourbons brought about times of stability, as did the Restoration. The system was respected as a guarantor of a new political order. And despite the eruption of violence, totalitarianism or conflicts of internal genesis, Spain did not fail to keep pace with the great European transformations. It is not fair to say that the monarchy in the first third of the twentieth century played outside the international circuit. After the death of Franco, my opinion is that the great merit of the Monarchy and Don Juan Carlos, was the process of transition, without mitifications, but of which unquestionably the King was one of its protagonists.

-. What is your opinion on the four main members of now the Crown, Sofia, Leonor, Letizia and Felipe?

Today, positive. And let’s not forget the role that is taking the Princess of Asturias. In this decade, the Kings are offering the best possible projection of Spain. The presence of the Kings is good in my opinion… in the areas affected by natural disasters, remember Paiporta or La Palma, in the most depressed or unpopulated places, even in the regions or autonomous communities where nationalism is more powerful, the Kings have an obligation to show themselves as guarantors of that unity of Spain which is recognized and established in the Constitution. And do it both nationally and internationally. They have shown that they are with the Spaniards. Let us not forget that the King is the head of state and acts accordingly and in accordance with the Constitution. And the role of Queen Sophia has been and continues to be commendable. Doña Sofía has played a leading role in the Crown, serving Spain with dedication and dedication. He has done so since the proclamation of Don Juan Carlos in 1975. It is an example of temperance, loyalty and renunciation. A positive reference for his granddaughters. The King of Spain has awarded the Golden Fleece to his mother this year, which is the highest decoration of the Spanish monarchy.

-. Which monarch of this dynasty would you choose as the best in your history of Spain?

Charles III is often mentioned among the best, as a perfect 18th century enlightened monarch. He wanted to modernize the country and promote science and with him the Spanish Empire in America achieved its maximum territorial extension. Although also sinned of certain “vices” illustrated. I think there are no better or worse. Well, worse maybe yes, of Fernando VII we could have a rather negative opinion. The same happens with Isabel II, although not all is negative. The reign of Alfonso XII was short but stable and Alfonso XIII allows us many interpretations, but above all for his exile with the II Republic.

-. What future does Princess Leonor look forward to in her next reign?

I would like him to be good. So far his role has been impeccable. She has been receiving the military training to which she is entitled and since reaching the age of majority, becoming involved in her responsibilities as an heiress. I give her my vote of confidence.