King Felipe has been in talks with numerous Spanish political leaders in recent weeks in an effort to build a new government.

Last December’s national elections did not yield a clear winner among establishment and emerging parties.

And numerous disagreements on style and substance are making it difficult for leaders to craft governing coalitions.

The Spanish Constitution gives the King a key role in helping tap the new head of government, particularly in times of political confusion.

His Majesty has been meeting with the heads of each parliamentary formation, except for some anti-monarchist regional nationalist parties.

While making it known he sees the formation of a new government difficult and pressing dialogue, the King is refraining from acting in a way that even appears to violate popular will.

 

King Juan Carlos was back in Latin America this week, attending the inauguration ceremonies for new Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales.

His Majesty met with outgoing President Alejandro Maldonado, and other leaders of the country and region.

King Felipe, King Juan Carlos’ son and current Spanish head of state, used to attend such ceremonies during his time as Prince of Asturias.

The Royal Families tries to keep tight relations with the leaders of Spain’s former colonies.

Catalan nationalists are criticizing King Felipe for what they see as lack of political neutrality.

His Majesty refused to receive the new head of the Catalan Parliament, who wanted to personally transmit word of a new regional president after months of stalemate, media outlets reported.

Catalan nationalists, who are leading an independence movement from Spain, have also complained about the government’s lack of formal appreciation for the outgoing regional president.

The Royal Household, say media outlets, is pointing to the national government and past precedent.

Still, the new Catalan president took his oath of office without swearing allegiance to the Spanish Constitution of the King.

King Felipe is leading a Spain through political turmoil, with national parties still unable to form a government and Catalan leaders insisting on independence.

Don Felipe took another chance to promote the rule of law and coexistence during military ceremonies last week.

“Guaranteeing liberty and the rights of citizens is a demand and responsibility of a country under the rule of law,” Don Felipe said at the annual Pascua Militar at the Madrid Royal Palace.

The Pascua Militar, which literally translates to Military Easter, dates to the 1700’s, when Spanish troops kicked our British forces from the island of Menorca.

Beyond ongoing political challenges, members of the Spanish Royal Family are monitoring the corruption trial of Infanta Cristina and her husband.

Prosecutors accuse him and associates of using public funds for personal gain. Media outlets say the Infanta is preparing herself emotionally to visit her husband in prison.