In a significant diplomatic move, Spain has declared its intention to boycott the upcoming swearing-in ceremony of Mexico’s president-elect, Claudia Sheinbaum. The reason behind this decision lies in the exclusion of King Felipe VI from the official guest list. The Spanish government has labeled this omission as “unacceptable,” emphasizing the deep historical and economic connections between the two nations.
The Spanish Foreign Ministry issued a statement outlining its stance: “For this reason, the Spanish government has decided not to participate in the inauguration at any level.”
The guest list for Sheinbaum’s inauguration, scheduled for October 1st, was published a week ago. It features a notable presence of regional leftist leaders and even includes US First Lady Jill Biden. However, King Felipe VI’s absence from the list has sparked controversy.
While Mexico and Spain share a history of close ties, relations have become strained since the current president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, took office in 2018. López Obrador, who is a close ally of Sheinbaum, has demanded an apology from Spain for the events of the Spanish conquest five centuries ago, a demand that Madrid has rejected.
This diplomatic rift further highlights the complex relationship between Mexico and its former colonial power, adding an intriguing layer to the upcoming presidential inauguration.
