MEXICO CITY.- During his usual conference “Morning of the People”this Wednesday, the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardoinsisted that Spain should apologize to the native Mexican peoples for the conquest, and gave as an example to USA y United Kingdom showing videos of apologies to indigenous groups.
“These two cases are important and interesting. That is, if King Charles and President Joe Biden and many others that we put in the video have apologized for past atrocities, why not Spain?” said Claudia Sheinbaum.
▶ “Apologizing makes you great”
Claudia Sheinbaum remembers the apologies requested by AMLO to King Felipe VI of Spain and shows the apologies of Joe Biden and King Carlos III for past crimes. #LaMañaneraDelPueblo pic.twitter.com/HdGWsyUwnB
— El Heraldo de México (@heraldodemexico) October 30, 2024
Previously, the president of Mexico showed a video of the president of the United States, Joe Bidenin a speech in which he apologized to the Native American peoples for the atrocities committed by the State.
In addition, he shared the moment in which the King Charles III of the United Kingdom recognized the crimes and abuses committed in the past by his country against the oceanic aboriginal nations in a recent Commonwealth conference in Samoain the Pacific.
This is one more step in the diplomatic dispute that arose before the inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum on October 2, when Mexico did not invite the king of Spain for not responding to the request for an apology and as a sign of rejection by the Spanish Government. decided not to send any representative to the investiture ceremony of the new Mexican president.
The lack of a representative at Sheinbaum’s investiture is a new moment of bilateral tension since the former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018-2024) declared a “pause” in relations in February 2022 after accusing Spanish companies of alleged abuses in Mexicoparticularly in the energy sector.
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Elena Ruíz Philosophy
**Interview with Dr. Elena Ruiz, Historian and Expert on Colonial Relations**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ruiz. We’ve just seen President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterate her call for Spain to apologize for its conquest of Mexico. What do you think is driving this demand now?
**Dr. Ruiz:** Thank you for having me. This issue has been simmering for quite some time, but it has gained traction with President Sheinbaum’s administration. The demand for an apology reflects a broader movement within Mexico that seeks to acknowledge and address historical injustices faced by indigenous peoples during and after the colonial period. It’s also a political maneuver that resonates with many Mexicans who feel that their history needs to be recognized on a global stage.
**Interviewer:** In her remarks, Sheinbaum referenced apologies made by leaders from the US and UK. Why do you think she chose those examples?
**Dr. Ruiz:** By citing those apologies, she is trying to underscore a growing trend among global leaders to recognize their countries’ historical wrongs, especially regarding indigenous populations. It’s an effort to put pressure on Spain to do the same. She aims to illustrate that acknowledging past injustices can actually elevate a nation’s moral standing, making it a relevant issue for contemporary international relations.
**Interviewer:** There has been some backlash domestically regarding this sentiment. What can you tell us about the divisions this topic has created within Mexico?
**Dr. Ruiz:** Yes, the call for an apology has indeed polarized opinions. Some see it as a necessary step towards reconciliation and healing, while others view it as unnecessary or politically motivated. Critics argue that focusing on historical grievances might divert attention from current issues facing indigenous communities today. This reflects a broader societal debate about how Mexico deals with its colonial past and how it shapes present-day identity and politics.
**Interviewer:** What might be the implications if Spain formally apologized? How could that change the relationship between the two countries?
**Dr. Ruiz:** A formal apology could pave the way for a more respectful and equitable relationship moving forward. It could also serve as a model for other former colonial powers to engage in dialogues about reparations and reparative justice. On the other hand, if Spain fails to respond positively, it may lead to further tensions and disappointment among Mexicans who seek acknowledgment for their historical suffering.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Ruiz. The discussion around this issue certainly highlights both historical and present-day complexities in international relations.
**Dr. Ruiz:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation and one that will continue to evolve.