Spanish King backs Baltic deployment, sparking controversy

King backs Baltic deployment, igniting fierce debate

The King of Spain has publicly endorsed the Spanish military deployment in the Baltic countries, on Russia's doorstep. His message landed like a bomb among those who believe national priorities should remain at home. The discussion, ongoing for more than two years, has evolved into a debate about the monarchy's role, national sovereignty, and double standards in border defense.

The initial reaction was bewilderment. While the monarch firmly supported troops deployed in Estonia, many questioned why the same resolve is not applied to Ceuta, Melilla, or the Canary Islands. "You are not alone," he said to Catalans and police officers deployed in 2018, recalling a previous message. Comparisons with inaction during Segarro maneuvers near the Canaries were immediate.

What did the king say about the Baltic deployment?

Support for the Spanish contingent in Estonia is interpreted as an endorsement of NATO and Anglo-Saxon interests. Some messages claim the king acts as a "butler" for foreign interests, while others argue it is an unavoidable international commitment. The discussion quickly shifted to the constitutional role of the monarch and his actual decision-making power.

The signing of the amnesty law triggered much of the criticism. "He lacks the guts to refuse to sign the Amnesty Law, yet seems willing to use our armed forces to defend a country thousands of kilometers away," one participant wrote. The idea that the king is a "doormat" who signs whatever is put before him and only gets serious when NATO asks is repeated in various forms.

Double standards with Ceuta, Melilla and the Canaries

Comparisons with the situation on Spanish borders are constant. It is argued that Russia has established a drone base opposite Melilla, made territorial claims on Ceuta, Melilla, and Canary waters, and has links to drug trafficking entering through the Strait. "It is normal and logical to send anti-aircraft batteries against them," one message ironed, implying that such batteries are stationed in the Canaries, not the Baltics.

Another message noted that "no government officials" attended the event. Since the king's acts must be countersigned by ministers, his statement was likened to saying "today is the 24th." The absence of the Minister of Defense, arriving the next day, was interpreted as a symptom of lack of coordination or the symbolic nature of the gesture.

Amnesty and the monarchy's role

The amnesty law appears as the major grievance. "He lacks the guts to refuse to sign the Amnesty Law," the phrase repeats. The notion that the king signed a law many consider illegal without protest, while taking a belligerent stance in foreign policy, fuels theories labeling him a "traitor" or "incompetent" who should resign. Discussions about whether the king should abdicate run through several messages.

The figure of Juan Carlos I also looms large. "I still wonder why his father abdicated," one reads. Some suggest it was due to corruption, infidelity, or NATO pressure. The shadow of the former monarch is used to delegitimize the current one, reminding readers that the current situation is not solely the government's responsibility.

Estonia, NATO and 'you are not alone'

Estonia's NATO membership and its past as part of the Spanish empire are used ironically. "Estonia belongs to one of the former viceroyalties of the Spanish empire," one participant wrote, attempting to justify the deployment via historical ties. The response was swift: "With tremendous historical and family ties to Estonia."

The message "You are not alone, you are abandoned" summarizes the sentiment of many. The idea that Spain commits to defending others while neglecting its own borders is the core of the discontent. The comparison with the phrase the king directed to Catalans in 2018 is repeated like a mantra.

Discontent with political class and monarchy

The unease extends beyond the king. "The government manipulates him like José Luis Moreno manipulates his puppets, making him gesticulate," one participant wrote. Criticism of the political class in general, and the monarchy as an institution, mixes with disillusionment toward the coalition government and the opposition.

"Hespaña has no king, it has a butler, fitting for a brothel of Anglosión," another summarized. The idea that Spain is a vassal to foreign interests, primarily Anglo-Saxon, runs through many messages. The feeling of daily humiliation and lack of sovereignty is the common denominator.

What about anti-aircraft batteries in the Canaries?

Anti-aircraft batteries deployed in the Canaries are the recurring example of inconsistency. "Well, those SAM batteries are in the Canaries. Enough said, right?" one participant wrote. The implicit question is why own borders are not defended with the same determination as foreign ones.

The discussion on the Baltic deployment has reignited the debate on the priority of national defense. The conclusion, if any, is that the perception of abandoning Spanish interests in favor of international commitments is deep and cross-cutting.

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The king has done nothing outside his script. But others write the script.