Impact of the transparency law 19/2013, access to public information and good government, in the new normality that emerged in the Spanish monarchy

Abstract

If we turn to the historiography of the Spanish monarchy, with the adoption of the 1978 Constitution, Spain went from an absolute version of monarchy to a parliamentary one. A monarchy that has had to adapt to social demand, as Spanish society evolved, responding to the demand for control and transparency from a society that is increasingly demanding, critical and eager for information, thus enabling and contributing to its democratic regeneration.

The provisions of Law 19/2013 affect all public administrations and, when the fall in the valuation of the monarchy was significant, the inclusion of the Spanish Royal House for the first time could reverse public mistrust.

Coinciding with the return to Spain of Don Juan Carlos, after almost two years abroad, we examine the effects of the application of this Law in the House of His Majesty the King, the limits and scope, analyzing whether, at least, to a large extent, the entry into force of the Law of Transparency represented a turning point in the evolution of the Spanish monarchy. To what extent has it affected the current institution since it was approved and to what extent has the change in the habits that Spanish society has demanded of the Royal Family – which has experienced a drastic reduction? It also assesses whether the current situation of Don Juan Carlos, after abdicating the crown of Spain in June 2014, which led him to leave the country, could be a direct consequence of the application of the law itself and this change of habits.