Background and Initial Incident
Relations between Mexico and Spain took a downward turn in March 2019 when Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), then-president of Mexico, sent a letter to King Felipe VI. In this letter, AMLO called for Spain’s monarchy to apologize to the indigenous peoples of Mexico for the excesses committed during the Conquest. The Spanish government, led by Pedro Sánchez, interpreted this as an ultimatum rather than a call for understanding and rejected its content.
Contextualizing AMLO’s Actions
AMLO, a prominent figure in Mexican politics since the late 20th century, has often emphasized historical grievances against Spain and the United States in his speeches. He skillfully tapped into widespread Mexican sentiment that views Spain as responsible for the destruction of indigenous societies and the loss of half Mexico’s territory to the United States. AMLO’s letter was either a genuine attempt at healing historical wounds or a calculated move to criticize Spanish governments and businesses. Regardless, the Spanish government perceived it as an unwarranted attack.
Recent Developments and Attempts at Reconciliation
Despite the initial diplomatic standoff, there have been positive signs of reconciliation under Claudia Sheinbaum’s leadership in Mexico City and Pedro Sánchez’s government in Spain. These include exhibitions of indigenous Mexican art in Madrid, the awarding of Princesa de Asturias prizes to Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide and the Museum of Anthropology and History, as well as Princess Leonor’s expressed interest in visiting Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology and History and the Chapultepec Forest.
El País Editorial: A Path Forward
In an editorial published on October 27, El País highlighted the need for mutual recognition of history and empathy towards indigenous peoples. The editorial argued that while AMLO’s approach may have lacked tact, the underlying call for acknowledging past wrongs was valid. It suggested that both nations should recognize historical abuses committed by Spanish colonizers while also celebrating Spain’s contributions to Mexico, such as language, institutions, and laws. The editorial concluded that rebuilding relations requires humility, active listening, and a willingness to understand each other’s perspectives without viewing the past as an obstacle.
Current State of Affairs
Claudia Sheinbaum, the current head of Mexico City’s government, has maintained that Spain must formally apologize for the abuses committed during the Conquest. Her stance seems to indicate that genuine reconciliation remains elusive, as she continues to emphasize historical grievances rather than focusing on building bridges between the two nations.
Key Questions and Answers
- What led to the diplomatic tensions between Mexico and Spain in 2019? The catalyst was a letter from Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), urging Spain’s monarchy to apologize for the excesses committed during the Conquest. The Spanish government interpreted this as an unwarranted demand.
- How have recent developments affected relations between the two countries? There have been positive signs of reconciliation, such as cultural exchanges and expressions of interest from Spanish royalty to visit Mexico. However, ongoing demands for formal apologies from the Mexican side have hindered progress.
- What does the El País editorial suggest regarding resolving historical tensions? The editorial argues that both nations should acknowledge past abuses while celebrating Spain’s contributions to Mexico. It emphasizes the need for humility, active listening, and mutual understanding to rebuild relations.
