Princess Cristina On Trial: One Step Closer To Formal Corruption Charges


Judge José Castro has recommended that Princess Cristina, sister to King Felipe VI of Spain, be charged in a corruption trial. The court filing comes after a four year investigation of Cristina’s husband, Iñaki Urdangarin, and his business partner’s possible embezzlement of public funds. If Judge Castro’s ruling is upheld in a final appeal, prosecutors will be free to put the Princess on trial.

The case boils down to classic embezzlement.

According to court accusations, Inaki Urdangarin and his partner, Diego Torres, accepted public funds through the non-profit organization Noos, for organizing sports events and construction projects in the Balearics and Valencia regions. Urdangarin was the chairman of Noos.

The two then siphoned off about €6 million (about $8 million) and compensated by overcharging for services. They then laundered the funds through a private company known as Aizoon, which was part owned by Urdangarin.

Princess Cristina is implicated in her husband’s crimes because she may have benefited from the graft.

In February, Cristina and Urdangarin were grilled on personal expenses appearing on Aizoon’s financial records. The couple allegedly refurbished their mansion, paid for dance lessons, even purchased Harry Potter novels using corporate credit cards.

The Princess owns a 50 percent share of Aizoon and sits on the board of Noos.

Princess Cristina and her husband continue to deny any criminal activity, despite the growing evidence against them.

The potential trial is raising fundamental questions about the Spanish Monarchy.

Primarily, does Spain even need a Monarchy?

With unemployment above 20 percent, embezzling Princesses might be a luxury Spain can no longer afford.

Earlier this month, King Juan Carlos, age 76, abdicated his thrown to his son King Felipe VI because of the toll of the Princess’ corruption case. Although both the Felipe and Carlos appear to be clear of any wrongdoing.

Historically the Spanish Monarchy has been popular, with approval ratings usually above 70 percent. King Juan Carlos was instrumental in bringing democratic reform to Spain after the dictatorship of Generalísimo Francisco Franco.

By 1982, the King’s active role in Spanish governance was over. However, the King still made a few surprising headlines. He once asked Hugo Chavez “why don’t you shut up” after he called the Spanish Prime Minister a fascist.

It is also rumored that the King shot and killed a bear that was drunk on vodka in Russia.

Alas, those happy days maybe over.

The Royal family’s popularity has slipped and now 62 percent of Spaniards are calling for a future referendum to decide the future of the Monarchy.

The dissatisfaction appears to be combination of the Princess Cristina’s scandal, the economic recession that still batters Spain, and a sense that the royals are “out of touch.”

For its part, the royal family has done its best to cut-off Princess Cristina and her husband. They are not allowed at formal events. The Princess was not even allowed at the coronation of her brother.

The Royal Palace issued a short statement that confirmed they have “full respect for the independence of the judiciary.”

Princess Cristina might avoid trial if she wins a final appeal against Judge Castro’s ruling. Otherwise, King Felipe may have to sacrifice his sister Cristina to the judicial process, as any interference would come off as abuse of power.

Until then, the King should tell off as many foreign dictators as he can; he might not have the opportunity in the future.

(Image Credit: Josep Lago, AFP/File)

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