Tensions Rise Between Spain and Mexico Over Inauguration of President Claudia Sheinbaum
The diplomatic relationship between Spain and Mexico has reached a new low following the inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum as president of Mexico on October 1. The Spanish Foreign Ministry announced that it would not send any representation to the event due to the exclusion of King Felipe VI, which they deemed 'unacceptable.' Spanish Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, expressed regret over this decision, emphasizing that the Mexican people are a 'brother people.'
The friction between the two nations can be traced back to March 2019, when Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador sent a letter to the Spanish Crown requesting acknowledgment of historical grievances from the Spanish Conquest of Mexico. This letter, which called for Spain to admit its historical responsibility and offer apologies or political compensation, received no response from the Spanish Royal Family, further straining relations.
Historical Context of Diplomatic Strain
López Obrador's administration has repeatedly criticized Spain for its colonial past, describing the arrival of Spanish conquistadors as a 'tremendously violent' event. The Mexican president has made several appeals for reconciliation, including a proposal for a joint ceremony to acknowledge past grievances, but these requests have not been met with a favorable response from Spain. In February 2022, López Obrador suggested a 'diplomatic pause' with Spain, indicating a desire to reset relations. However, this pause did not lead to a formal diplomatic break, and both countries continue to maintain commercial ties and cultural connections.
The absence of Spain at Sheinbaum's inauguration has raised eyebrows, especially as the country has historically sent its monarch to such significant events in Mexico. The reaction from various political parties in Spain has been mixed, with some supporting the government's stance while others express disappointment over the lack of representation. As both nations navigate this complex relationship, the future of their diplomatic ties remains uncertain.
