At a time when the political debate is trying to introduce the idea that Spain is an “increasingly insecure” country—often mixing immigration and crime—the director of the National Police has remarked, during the central event of commemoration of the 200 years of the institution, that Spain is one of the safest countries in the world; a “great collective success of society.” Before the gaze of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, Francisco Pardo has called on the more than 74,000 men and women who wear the uniform to continue working “effectively and professionally” to guarantee that “great national heritage” that is the security.
Around 10:00 a.m. this Wednesday, the event began in the courtyard of the Armory of the Royal Palace, which included a formation of more than 300 agents from the National Police, as well as a large court of institutional representatives. The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has been accompanied by his Ministers of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska; of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares; of the Treasury, María Jesús Montero; and Agriculture, Luis Planas. The leader of the opposition, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, and the mayor of the capital, José Luis Martínez Almeida, were also present.
After an aerial descent of two members of the GEO carrying the flag of the National Police – one of them had a slight mishap when landing – Felipe VI presented the Badge of Honor of the Order of Constitutional Merit to the National Police for “its activity in the service of the Constitution and the values ??and principles established therein.”
The director of the National Police was the only one who spoke at the event, which also included more than 30 ambassadors from different countries, in addition to the police leadership. Pardo wanted to recognize the role that the institution has played over the last 200 years to “guarantee security and strengthen” the foundations of what is now Spain, as a “space of coexistence, freedom and democracy”, together with the rest of the Forces and State Security Bodies, the Armed Forces. He also mentions the role of judges and prosecutors. “We must continue to contribute to Spain continuing to be a modern, strong and united country, to continue being an example of freedom and democracy in the world.”
Pardo, who took office in July 2018 and is part of the Interior Minister’s most trusted core, has referred to the “volatile, unstable and changing times” that dominate globally, to ask for “more commitment” to values. and the community. “We have to be aware that we all depend on each other; The neighbor must be seen more as a traveling companion than as an opponent from whom we must protect ourselves,” he noted.
The director of the National Police has taken the opportunity to remember that the force currently has the “largest staff in its history”, in addition to the “best trained” police officers – with special reference to the University Center; one of Pardo’s great personal bets—, and “more and better facilities, means and equipment.”
In his speech, he also claimed the “long history” of the body to make a call to “continue writing chapters.” “We will achieve this by being a reliable, solid, loyal, close, human institution… A great family,” she summarized.
Before ending the event with a tribute to the 188 national police officers who died in the line of duty and a parade of a representation of police vehicles and historical uniforms, the director of the Police insisted on the idea that “Spain is a strong nation ”, of which he asks “to be proud” because, among other things, it has “thousands of citizens” – the police among them – “who know that there are many things that belong to everyone and that must be taken care of”, such as security public and the peaceful coexistence of the country.” “That is and will continue to be our mission,” he added.
