Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and Andrés Manuel López Obrador
Claudia Sheinbaum, the current President of Mexico, and her predecessor Andrés Manuel López Obrador, commonly known as AMLO, have been at the forefront of Mexico’s political landscape. Both are members of the National Regeneration Movement (Morena) party and have been instrumental in shaping Mexico’s policies since 2018.
The Colonial Past and the Quest for Forgiveness
In March 2019, AMLO, then-President of Mexico, wrote a letter to King Felipe VI of Spain, seeking an official apology for the historical wrongs committed during the Spanish conquest of the Americas. This move aimed to initiate “a new era of reconciliation” between the two nations.
Sheinbaum’s Stance on the Matter
During her regular morning press conference on Monday, Claudia Sheinbaum stated that Mexico’s government continues to await Spain’s response regarding the apology.
“From the campaign, we have always maintained that we did not agree with how they responded. Furthermore, we supported the letter sent by AMLO,” Sheinbaum said. “We are still waiting for this response.”
Sheinbaum defended AMLO’s diplomatic letter as a request for “some form of forgiveness for past atrocities.” However, she claimed that Spain’s reaction was “undiplomatic” and included a campaign against AMLO during his visit to the country.
Maintaining Relationships Despite Tensions
Despite the ongoing tension, Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico maintains strong relationships with Spain in various sectors, including economic, political, and tourism ties.
“There has been no break in relations,” Sheinbaum asserted, mentioning that several members of her government have recently visited Spain.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue between Mexico and Spain? The central point of contention revolves around Mexico’s request for an official apology from Spain for the historical atrocities committed during the Spanish conquest.
- Who initiated the apology request? The request was made by AMLO, then-President of Mexico, in a letter to King Felipe VI of Spain in March 2019.
- What is Claudia Sheinbaum’s role in this matter? As the current President of Mexico, Sheinbaum has publicly stated that her government continues to await Spain’s response regarding the apology.
- Are Mexico and Spain’s relations affected by this issue? Despite the tension surrounding the apology request, Sheinbaum has confirmed that Mexico maintains strong relationships with Spain in various sectors.
