Mexico’s president-elect, Claudia Sheinbaum, has sparked diplomatic tensions by not inviting Spain’s King Felipe VI to her inauguration on 1 October. The decision stems from Spain’s lack of response to a letter sent by current president Andrés Manuel López Obrador in 2019, asking Spain to publicly apologise for the abuses committed during the colonisation of Mexico.
In a statement, Sheinbaum explained that the Spanish monarchy failed to respond directly to López Obrador’s request, which called for Spain to acknowledge the historical grievances caused by the conquest. “Unfortunately, there was no direct response, which would have been the proper diplomatic course. Instead, part of the letter was leaked to the media,” Sheinbaum stated. She emphasised that the exclusion of King Felipe VI was a direct consequence of this lack of engagement.
Sheinbaum also revealed that she recently received a call from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to discuss the matter, clarifying that he would be the only Spanish representative invited to the event.
Spain’s response: “No representation without the king”
In response, Spain announced that it would not send any official representatives to Sheinbaum’s inauguration. Defence Minister Margarita Robles expressed disappointment at the exclusion of the Spanish monarch, stating, “The king always represents Spain at such events, and we cannot accept his exclusion. If the head of state is not invited, Spain will not be represented.”
This marks the latest chapter in a series of diplomatic strains between Spain and Mexico. Tensions first escalated in 2022 when López Obrador declared a “pause” in relations with Spain, citing alleged abuses by Spanish companies in Mexico, particularly in the energy sector.
A strained but strong relationship
Despite the tensions, Sheinbaum emphasised the long-standing ties between the two nations, acknowledging the cultural, economic, and historical connections. She noted that Mexico had been a safe haven for many Spanish republicans during the Spanish Civil War, and that the two countries shared a “solid friendship.”
However, Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico’s position that Spain should officially recognise the injustices committed during the colonisation. “Our relationship would benefit from a renewed historical perspective, one that acknowledges the shared identities and histories of our peoples,” she stated.
Mixed reactions in Spain
The decision to exclude King Felipe VI has sparked a variety of reactions within Spain. While the ruling PSOE party and its allies have largely supported the decision to respect Mexico’s invitation, opposition parties like the PP have called for “respect” for the Spanish monarchy. “If the king is not invited, Spain is not invited,” PP spokesperson Borja Sémper said.
On the other hand, leftist figures such as Ione Belarra, leader of Podemos, have been more critical of the monarchy’s involvement in Spain’s international relations. Belarra described the exclusion of the king as a reflection of his perceived “problematic” role in foreign diplomacy.
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