The Spanish monarchy has found itself at the center of a political storm after a video emerged showing King Felipe VI shaking hands with and posing for a photograph with Javier Negre, a controversial right-wing media figure known for his inflammatory rhetoric. The incident took place during the swearing-in ceremony of Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, in Cali on August 5, 2026. The footage, shared by Negre on social media, sparked immediate backlash, particularly from Spain’s Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, who called the encounter “an absolute disgrace.” Puente, a member of the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, expressed his outrage through a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter). He accused Negre of repeatedly and seriously insulting Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI, labeling him a professional in the dissemination of defamation and falsehoods. Additionally, he described Negre as an ultra-right activist who engages in harassment against progressive politicians and their families, including his own. Puente argued that the king, as a symbol of national unity, should not be associated with individuals whose actions undermine public trust. In response, Negre defended the interaction, stating that it was a routine diplomatic gesture and that the king had been invited to attend the event as a representative of Spain. He criticized the Spanish government for its handling of migration issues, particularly the ongoing crisis in Ceuta, and accused Puente of hypocrisy. Negre claimed that the royal family was aware of his identity and that they had allowed the meeting to take place, suggesting that the criticism was politically motivated. The controversy quickly escalated into a broader political debate. Members of the opposition Popular Party (PP) seized upon Puente’s remarks, using them to criticize the current administration. PP Secretary General Miguel Tellado accused the government of failing to address the migrant situation in Ceuta and questioned whether the prime minister’s absence during the crisis was appropriate. Meanwhile, other members of the PP, such as Jaime de los Santos, shifted focus back to Puente, accusing him of undermining the monarchy and aligning himself too closely with the government. Within the government, there were signs of division. While Puente voiced his concerns publicly, the Ministry of Justice, led by Félix Bolaños, chose not to comment directly on the issue, emphasizing that it was not his role to judge whom the monarch chooses to interact with. This stance reflected a growing reluctance among some officials to engage in direct confrontation over matters involving the monarchy, which remains a sensitive institution in Spanish politics. Javier Negre, 41 years old, is a former journalist who gained prominence through his work at El Mundo before launching Estado de Alarma, a platform that evolved into EDATV. His media outlet has become influential in Latin America, often taking a confrontational stance toward left-leaning policies and figures. Negre has previously made disparaging remarks about members of the Spanish royal family, calling Queen Letizia a “disgrace” and King Felipe VI a “puppet” of Prime Minister Sánchez. These past comments have contributed to the current controversy, as they suggest a long-standing tension between Negre and the monarchy. The episode highlights the deepening polarization within Spanish society, with the monarchy increasingly becoming a focal point for ideological clashes. While Puente’s public condemnation marks a rare instance of a senior official openly criticizing the king, it also underscores the challenges faced by the monarchy in maintaining its relevance and perceived legitimacy in an era of shifting political dynamics. As the debate continues, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with little sign of compromise in sight.
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