Overview
- José Manuel Albares made the comments on October 31 at the Madrid opening of the exhibition La mitad del mundo: La mujer en el México indígena.
- He acknowledged “pain and injustice” toward Mexico’s indigenous peoples, a statement widely described as a cultural-diplomatic lament rather than a formal state apology.
- Conservative leaders, including officials from the Community of Madrid, PP chief Alberto Núñez Feijóo and Vox figures, denounced the remarks and urged Albares to resign.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the acknowledgment as a first step toward historical reconciliation between the two countries.
- The dispute has reignited Spain’s internal debate over colonial memory, recalling tensions since Mexico’s 2019 request that King Felipe VI address Conquest-era abuses.