MPs in Spain are today debating a bill to formalise the abdication of King Juan Carlos.<br /><br />Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has said an overwhelming majority of politicians, from both the People’s Party and Socialists, are expected to back the bill.<br /><br />Although the vote focuses purely on the formalities of the abdication, for some it’s raising broader questions about Spain’s constitutional future.<br /><br />The abdication of Juan Carlos has provoked calls for a referendum on the monarchy.<br /><br />His son Prince Felipe is taking the reins at a tricky time. He is due to be proclaimed king a matter of months before Catalonia plans to vote on independence, despite it not being permitted by the Spanish constitution.
