Spain recently protested Mexico’s decision not to include King Felipe VI in the inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president. Despite previous relationships and invitations to previous inaugurations, Spain formally complained that the King, as the head of state, should have been invited. In response, Spain announced it would not participate in the Transfer of Federal Executive Power in Mexico City on October 1.
The tension between the countries escalated as diplomatic efforts failed to convince Mexico to include the King in the inauguration. Sheinbaum justified her decision by referencing a 2019 letter from President López Obrador to King Felipe, demanding an apology for the harm caused by the Spanish conquest of the Americas, which went unanswered. Despite the disagreement, Sheinbaum aims to improve bilateral relations between Spain and Mexico.
While Spanish officials will not attend the inauguration, some politicians will be present. The decision not to include the King has sparked mixed reactions in Spain, with some criticizing it as monarchical servility and others supporting Spain’s response to what they consider an unacceptable provocation.
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