The memoirs of King Juan Carlos I are making headlines in Spain. In his newly published book, Reconciliation, released this week, the former monarch shares his personal account of nearly thirty-nine years on the throne, from November 22, 1975, to June 18, 2014, the day he abdicated in favor of his son, King Felipe VI. Spanish media outlets have pointed out that Juan Carlos I remains notably silent on Spain's withdrawal from Western Sahara. He offers no mention of international pressure, the political uncertainty surrounding Franco's final days, or the secret negotiations reportedly held with Morocco and the United States. Nor does he reflect on the impact of the handover, either for the Sahrawi population or for Spain itself, journalists note. As acting head of state, Juan Carlos I, wearing his military uniform, visited Laâyoune on November 2, 1975, just four days before King Hassan II launched the Green March on November 6, 1975.
