Ayuso ignites relations with Mexico by praising the conqueror Hernán Cortés

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

The popular leader, who at the time had already criticized the monarch for his gesture, is on an official trip to Mexico and has ignited public debate by participating in a tribute to Hernán Cortés – the conquistador who facilitated the fall of the Aztec empire – and to 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 by hate to "escape 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 to the Spanish state that it apologize for the colonization following the 500th anniversary of Cortés' arrival in present-day Mexico. For Ayuso, these narratives go against "mestizaje."

Next to Ayuso was Nacho Cano, director of the musical 'Malinche' about the love story between Cortés and Malinche, who has stated that the conquistador 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 at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City, but the archbishopric 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 Jesus of Nazareth where Cortés' remains are located, has caused groups defending the indigenous peoples to organize a peaceful demonstration against the "Spanish genocide". Frontón México, the headquarters of the musical itself, has ended up hosting it, and Ayuso said: "May we never be moved, may freedom never ask for forgiveness".

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 for this reason, the minister and also candidate of the PSOE for the Community of Madrid, Óscar López, has criticized her: "It is unprecedented for a public leader to disappear for ten days. Is she going on vacation? Promoting Nacho Cano's musical? Making contacts in Latin America for her future? I regret that she doesn't have her head in Madrid", he resolved at the press conference of the Council of Ministers. Sumar and Podem have also accused her of "dynamiting" relations with Mexico.