SPAIN–LATIN AMERICA COLONIAL LEGACY DISPUTES
Diplomatic tensions and reconciliation efforts between Spain and Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, over the historical legacy of the Spanish Conquest and colonialism, including demands for apologies and reparations
4 articles
Sheinbaum Welcomes King Felipe's Gesture on the Conquest: "Not All We Wanted, But a Step Forward"
EL PAÍSSheinbaum valora el gesto del Rey sobre la Conquista: “No es todo lo que hubiéramos querido, pero es un acercamiento”
3/17/2026, 2:20:44 PM
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has welcomed a gesture by Spanish King Felipe VI regarding the 16th-century conquest of Mexico, describing it as a step forward even if it falls short of the full apology Mexico has long sought. The rapprochement marks the closest the two countries have come to resolving a diplomatic rift that has lasted over seven years. Tensions between Spain and Mexico had been fuelled by disagreements over the historical interpretation of the colonial period and demands for a formal Spanish acknowledgement of past wrongs.
Spanish King Admits 'Much Abuse' in Americas Conquest but Stops Short of Apology
RTSpanish king acknowledges ‘much abuse’ during Americas conquest
3/17/2026, 1:53:11 PM
King Felipe VI of Spain has acknowledged that the Spanish conquest of the Americas involved "much abuse," marking a notable shift in royal rhetoric on the colonial period. However, he stopped short of issuing a formal apology, drawing continued scrutiny over Spain's handling of its colonial legacy. The statement comes amid longstanding diplomatic tensions with Latin American nations, particularly Mexico, over demands for recognition and reparations.
Feijóo Dismisses King's Comments on the Spanish Conquest: "Judging 15th-Century Events Today Is Absurd"
EL PAÍSFeijóo, tras las declaraciones del Rey sobre la Conquista de América: “Hacer ahora un examen de las cosas que ocurrieron en el siglo XV es un disparate”
3/17/2026, 11:53:19 AM
Spanish opposition leader Alberto Feijóo has rejected the King's recent comments on the Spanish Conquest of the Americas, calling it "absurd" to judge 15th-century events by today's standards. The government, by contrast, said it had been informed of the King's remarks in advance and endorsed them "one hundred percent." The far-right Vox party took a nationalist stance, celebrating the work of the Catholic Monarchs in the Americas as "the greatest civilising endeavour in history."
Spain's King Makes His Move — Now Mexico Must Respond
EL PAÍSEl Rey da otro paso: la pelota está ahora en el tejado de México
3/17/2026, 12:00:00 AM
King Felipe VI of Spain has acknowledged the "abuses" committed during the Conquest of the Americas, marking a significant diplomatic gesture toward Mexico. The move shifts the onus onto Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to respond and potentially reopen dialogue between the two countries. The step is seen as the latest attempt to heal one of the most fraught bilateral rifts over the legacy of Spanish colonialism.