SPAIN: Thousands of people demonstrated against the monarchy, demanding the return of a democratically elected head of state in another blow for embattled King Juan Carlos.
The marchers thronged Puerta del Sol, a square in Madrid, on the 82nd anniversary of the establishment of Spain's last democratically-elected republic.
It was overthrown by an army uprising that led to a civil war and the 36-year military dictatorship of General Francisco Franco.
Franco appointed then Prince Juan Carlos as his successor as head of state, a job the royal took over as king upon the dictator's death in 1975.
The monarchy's popularity has slumped in recent months, with the 75-year-old king being criticised for going on a luxurious safari during Spain's financial crisis and a corruption scandal with links to royal family members.
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