Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Mexico Snubs Spanish King Amid Historical Grievances
A lingering diplomatic feud between Mexico and Spain has reignited as Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's newly elected left-wing president, declines to invite King Felipe VI to her inauguration. This decision is rooted in ongoing historical grievances regarding Spain's treatment of Mexico's Indigenous populations during the conquest, which dates back 500 years.
In 2019, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador sent a letter to King Felipe and Pope Francis, urging them to apologize for the abuses inflicted during the conquest and colonial period. "I have sent a letter to the King of Spain and another to the Pope calling for a full account of the abuses and urging them to apologize to the Indigenous peoples of Mexico for the violations of what we now call their human rights," López Obrador stated in a social media video.
The response from the Spanish government was dismissive; they firmly rejected the call for apologies, arguing that the historical events should not be judged by contemporary values. They asserted that both nations have managed to view their shared history without animosity, considering it from the perspective of a common heritage.
However, Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a direct response to López Obrador's letter. She pointed out that best diplomatic practices were overlooked, stating, "Unfortunately, the letter in question was never replied to directly. Instead, part of the letter was leaked to the media, and the Spanish foreign ministry then released a press statement. The Mexican government has not received a direct clarification or answer regarding this matter."
The exclusion of King Felipe from the inauguration, scheduled for October 1, has prompted a reaction from Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed that there would be no representation from the Spanish government at Sheinbaum's swearing-in ceremony, calling the decision a protest against being sidelined in the diplomatic ties between the two countries. At a press conference at the UN General Assembly, Sánchez stated, "Spain and Mexico are brotherly peoples. We cannot therefore accept being excluded like this."
The historical context surrounding this diplomatic rift is marked by the actions of Hernán Cortés, who led the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire beginning in 1519, and subsequent colonization practices that have left deep scars in Indigenous communities. Cortés's controversial place in Mexican history is further complicated by his relationship with La Malinche, an Indigenous woman, often labeled as a traitor for aiding the Spanish in their conquest. The term 'malinchista' has since evolved, often referring to those who prioritize foreign influence over national interests.
As Mexico's political landscape shifts under the leadership of Sheinbaum, who claims to champion the rights of the country’s poor and Indigenous populations, the unresolved historical grievances between Mexico and Spain continue to strain their diplomatic relations. The refusal to engage in an official apology cycle highlights the complexities of historical memory, identity, and the ongoing impact of colonial legacy on modern governance.
Related Sources: