Tensions Rise Over King Felipe VI's Exclusion from Sheinbaum's Inauguration
The Spanish government, led by Pedro Sánchez, faces criticism from both the left and right following the exclusion of King Felipe VI from Claudia Sheinbaum's inauguration as president of Mexico on October 1. The decision not to send any representation to the ceremony has sparked outrage, particularly from the opposition leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who finds it unacceptable that the government prioritizes diplomatic responses to domestic political comments over the respect owed to a head of state.
Feijóo, while supporting the decision not to attend due to what he termed an “unacceptable provocation” from Mexico, clarified that he is not calling for the withdrawal of the Spanish ambassador in Mexico but rather seeks a new ambassador in Argentina. Meanwhile, representatives from the left-wing parties, including Sumar and Podemos, have expressed disappointment with Sánchez's handling of the situation, with Podemos leader Ione Belarra labeling the government's response as “monarchical servility.”
Sheinbaum's Justification for Inviting Sánchez Instead of the King
Claudia Sheinbaum defended her choice to invite Sánchez over King Felipe VI, citing the monarch's refusal to apologize for Spain's colonial past as a primary reason. Sheinbaum referenced a letter from Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) in 2019, which called for a public acknowledgment of historical grievances from Spain. The lack of response from the Spanish monarchy to this request has fueled tensions between the two nations.
Sánchez, acknowledging the significance of the relationship between Spain and Mexico, expressed disappointment at the king's exclusion from the ceremony, emphasizing that such a decision undermines the bond between the two countries. The absence of the king at Sheinbaum's inauguration is particularly notable as it marks a historic moment in Mexico, with Sheinbaum being the first woman to assume the presidency. Despite the diplomatic fallout, several Latin American leaders, including those from Brazil, Chile, and Colombia, have confirmed their attendance at the inauguration.
