Ayuso ignites relations with Mexico by praising the conqueror Hernán Cortés

MadridIsabel Díaz Ayuso does not seem overly concerned by the diplomatic headaches between Spain and Mexico. Beyond what the progressive meeting in Barcelona meant for the left, that summit was also relevant for another reason: the visit of Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, to the State. Her presence signified a resumption of diplomatic relations after years of clashes due to the Spanish refusal to apologize for the Conquest. The Spanish government recognized for the first time the "injustice" of the colonial past with Mexico, and then King Felipe VI acknowledged "abuses" with a gesture that was very well received by the Mexican authorities. However, amid this climate of reconciliation, the president of the Community of Madrid has intervened.

The popular leader, who had already criticized the monarch for his gesture at the time, is on an official trip to Mexico and has ignited public debate by participating in a tribute to Hernán Cortés –the conqueror who brought about the fall of the Aztec empire– and Isabella I of Castile. "I hope that one day events like this can be celebrated in Spain, Mexico, and Hispanic America," she proclaimed from Mexico City, emphasizing that she finds it "incomprehensible" that there are those who want to live off hatred to "flee from the present and their obligations," as reported by Efe. She did not mention Sheinbaum or her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018-2024), who was the one who demanded through an official letter that the Spanish state apologize for the colonization following the 500th anniversary of Cortés's arrival in present-day Mexico. For Ayuso, these narratives go against "mestizaje" (racial mixing). The Madrid president has had a response: Sheinbaum took advantage of a public event to reply that "those who advocate for Hernán Cortés and his atrocities are destined for defeat".

Next to Ayuso was Nacho Cano, director of the musical 'Malinche' about the love story between Cortés and Malinche, who has stated that the conqueror is also the founder of Mexico: "We want to thank the person who made this possible, because it is a wonderful country, there is no political issue here". The event, titled 'Celebration for the Evangelization and Mestizaje of Mexico', has been surrounded by controversy. To begin with, it was planned to be held in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City, but the archbishopric has informed of its cancellation due to not having the necessary permits. According to Efe, the possibility of holding a tribute in this place, less than a kilometer from the church of Jesús Nazaret where the remains of Cortés are located, has caused groups defending indigenous peoples to organize a peaceful demonstration against the "Spanish genocide". It was finally hosted by Frontón México, the headquarters of the musical itself, and Ayuso said: "May we never have to be moved, may freedom never apologize".

Ayuso will be in Mexico for ten days and this is only her third day of travel. It is planned that after this tribute she will have a meeting at the University of Freedom, founded by the Mexican magnate Salinas Pliego, and will continue her tour until May 12. Precisely because of this, the minister and also PSOE candidate for the Community of Madrid, Óscar López, has criticized her: "It is unprecedented for a public official to disappear for ten days. Is she sightseeing? Is she promoting Nacho Cano's musical? Contacts in Latin America for her future? I regret that she does not have her head in Madrid", he stated at the press conference of the Council of Ministers. Sumar and Podemos have also accused her of "dynamiting" relations with Mexico.