Dear Santa Claus

Nuuco puts forward a conceptual work to make audiences ironically reflect on the investigation into alleged money laundering by former king Juan Carlos I, relating it to the unemployment crisis in Spain brought about by the pandemic. The piece is a performance of a cover letter sent by the ex-king to "Santa Claus". Juan Carlos I writes an informal letter to Santa, offering his services in order to join his management team. In his letter, the emeritus lists all his valuable professional and personal achievements, selling himself as the best candidate for the position: a high-level official in charge of legislative compliance (Act 20/2010) in Dubai. You might expect that Juan Carlos I, Head of State from 22 November 1975 until his abdication in favour of Felipe VI on 18 June 2014, would apply to be the head of compliance with Spanish law (on the protection of the financial and economic system, through the prevention of money laundering and its transparency), since his name appears at the top of the official state gazette. Even so, it's ironic as the Prosecutor's Office has three ongoing investigations into the emeritus for alleged money laundering (the commission of the AVE to Mecca,the opaque cards linked to alleged frontmen's bank accounts and the regularisation of part of the funds of the Zagatka Foundation). In this sense, a certain humour comes to light when the play alludes to the fact that the ex-king is "self-taught" in money laundering having read up on KYC (know your customer, "naturally") and FATCA (the United States regulations that promote transparency and compliance with citizens' and residents' tax obligations). Keep in mind that the artist made the piece in 2020, in the midst of the global pandemic. A period in which millions of families lost their jobs, were forced to shut down non-essential businesses and hunger was rising due to global collapse. Meanwhile, the open investigation into the emeritus, who's been living in Dubai, a tax haven for onshore companies, is brought to light. It is hardly surprising for citizens to be questioning the role of the Royal Family following the royal scandal. And for the division between republicans and monarchists to be growing wider. Nor should we be averse to reflecting on state expenditure to maintain the crown — especially in view of the current social situation of poverty, unemployment and plummeting GDP, and the consequent recession that we are facing. The former Head of State took on the role of the highest representation of the Spanish State in international relations, hence his "Master's degree in Public Management and International Economic Policy". He speaks four languages fluently, has developed good social skills and has a knack for problem-solving. However, it seems that his status prevents him from seeing the social reality of his people — families scraping by on 1,000 euros a month, or the rise of the shadow economy as a result of the financial crisis. Is the exalted emeritus, from his imperial pedestal, aware of the economic difficulties citizens are going through? Has he ever wondered what happens when you apply for a job and get rejected? Or when you have to settle for precarious, low-paid or contractless jobs? Honestly, transparency is everyone's responsibility, however, this is unviable when you have to choose between the shadow economy or being unable to afford basic needs. ¿Transparency becomes a scathing mockery, impossible to practise even for the most highly placed sovereign. The missive ends by underscoring the value of transparency and honesty. Don Juan Carlos I, while waiting to be a part of the Santa Claus Family in Dubai, wants to spread the values of the Royal Family "with sarcasm": confidentiality, transparency, high status and honesty.