Word: borb
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Ever since Generalissimo Francisco Franco named Juan Carlos de Borbón y Borbón as his eventual successor 18 months ago, the tall, athletic prince has played the role of silent backstop to the aging dictator with uncommon aplomb and discretion. Because Franco is sensitive about his height (5 ft. 3 in.), Juan Carlos (6 ft. 2 in.) always stays well to the rear and off to the side of the Caudillo when they must stand together. At sitdown occasions, the problem is solved by elevating Franco's seat to raise him ever so slightly above...
...that certitude Spain's Francisco Franco, 76 and ailing, has for months been fashioning a succession to his liking. Three months ago, he decreed the restoration of a constitutional monarchy after his death; at his direction, Spain's Parliament designated bland, handsome Juan Carlos de Borbón y Borbón, 31, as eventual Chief of State. To ensure that the actual governing of Spain will be in expert hands, Franco has also been planning the Cabinet that he wants to leave in charge of the country. Last week, in the most important Cabinet changes...
...Conscious of my responsibility before God and history and taking into account the qualities to be found in the person of Prince Juan Carlos of Borbón, who has been perfectly trained to take up the high mission to which he might be called, I have decided to propose him to the nation as my successor." Thus Generalissimo Francisco Franco, who has ruled Spain for the past 32 years, presented his chosen successor to the Cortes, Spain's tame Parliament. In a roll-call vote, the Cortes overwhelmingly and obediently endorsed Franco's choice...
...last week, when Prince Juan Carlos Victor Maria de Borbón y Borbón was chosen to ascend the long-vacant Spanish throne-some day-there was no dancing in the streets of Madrid or other outbursts of public joy. The reasons for such restraint are largely beyond Juan Carlos' control and relate to Spain's strained domestic political scene, but it is nonetheless true that the Prince so far has failed to either excite a feeling of loyalty among his future subjects or emerge as a convincing, sympathetic human being. Asked by reporters what qualities...
...toward "political legality." The Prince meant he accepted the view that Franco was empowered under the present constitutional framework to restore whomever he wished to Spain's throne. Until then, the Prince had shared his father's belief that "dynastic legality" must be maintained and that the Borbón line must not be interrupted. Commenting on the likelihood of Juan Carlos' elevation this week, Monarchist Mariano Robles, a lawyer and opponent of the Franco regime, declared: "It is suicide for the monarchy. It is the beginning of the end. A dictator cannot name a King...