MADRID (Aug 4): Spain's former king Juan Carlos has decided to leave his country, a dramatic exit designed to protect the monarchy after a barrage of corruption allegations surfaced against him. The once-popular, now scandal-ridden, king left Spain before Monday's announcement, local media said, with no indication of where he may have gone. King Felipe thanked Juan Carlos for his decision, underlining "the historic importance that his father's reign represents" for democracy in Spain. Local media including El Mundo and broadcaster TVE said Juan Carlos had left Spain, with some, including La Vanguardia, saying he had already left on Sunday. The Royal House and government officials declined to comment and Juan Carlos' lawyer did not respond to a request for comment.

Source: The Edge Markets August 03, 2020 23:03 UTC