Mexico's President Sheinbaum Urges Spain for Apology over Conquest, Awaiting Response

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has reiterated Mexico's demand for an official apology from Spain for abuses committed during the Conquest, a request initially made by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in 2019. Speaking at a press conference in Mexico City, Sheinbaum emphasized that her government is still awaiting a formal response from Spain regarding the letter sent to King Felipe VI, which she described as "very diplomatic." She criticized Spain's response as "not diplomatic," stating it resulted in a backlash against López Obrador's efforts. Despite this ongoing tension, Sheinbaum assured that Mexico and Spain maintain active relations across political, economic, and tourism sectors, highlighted by recent official visits by Mexican cabinet members to Spain.

Sheinbaum also defended López Obrador’s letter as a diplomatic plea for forgiveness, aligning with actions of other governments worldwide seeking historical reckoning. The Spanish Foreign Ministry has maintained a stance defending historical ties and rejecting any formal apology. The diplomatic strain is further illustrated by the lack of an invitation extended to King Felipe VI for Sheinbaum’s inauguration, with Spain having declined to send a representative following an invitation only extended to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Cultural exchanges continue to foster ties between the two nations, including Mexico’s lending of over 400 pre-Hispanic artifacts to exhibitions in Madrid that focus on indigenous women's cultural heritage. Additionally, Mexico received two prestigious Princess of Asturias awards in 2025—the National Museum of Anthropology and History and photographer Graciela Iturbide for her anthropological work—demonstrating a mutual appreciation of cultural contributions despite political disagreements.

Responding to a question about Princess Leonor’s expressed interest in visiting Mexico, Sheinbaum was cautiously optimistic but clarified that an invitation had yet to be extended. She emphasized the importance of Mexico’s rich pre-Hispanic civilizations and cultural greatness to be acknowledged as part of the dialogue. Overall, Sheinbaum signaled the persistence of demands for historical acknowledgment while underlining the ongoing multifaceted relations between Mexico and Spain.

In summary, while Mexico awaits a formal apology from Spain for colonial abuses, diplomatic and cultural interactions continue, highlighting a complex relationship navigating historical grievances alongside present-day cooperation.