Spain Acknowledges 'Suffering and Injustice' of Mexican Conquest, Hailed by Mexico as 'First Step'

Historic Acknowledgment from Spain

In a landmark declaration, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares officially acknowledged the 'suffering and injustice' inflicted upon Mexico's indigenous populations during the Spanish conquest. The statement was made on Friday, October 31, 2025, during the inauguration of an exhibition of indigenous Mexican art in Madrid. Albares stated, 'There was injustice, and it is merely right and fair to acknowledge and deplore this. It is part of our joint history. We can neither deny it nor forget it.'

Mexico Welcomes 'First Step' Towards Reconciliation

The acknowledgment has been met with a positive reception from Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described Albares' statement as 'the first step' in the right direction. Speaking from the National Palace, Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of this gesture, noting, 'This is the first time that a member of the Spanish government has given expression to regret over the injustices committed. That's important.' She added that 'apologizing was not humiliation, but rather conferred true greatness on governments and nations.'

A Shift in Diplomatic Stance

This recent development marks a significant shift in the diplomatic relationship between the two nations. Previous attempts by Mexico to secure an apology for the historical abuses had been met with rejection. In 2019, then-Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador sent a letter to Spain's King Felipe VI and Pope Francis requesting an apology for the 'massacres and oppression' of colonialism. At that time, Spain's foreign ministry rejected the request, stating that the conquest could not be judged 'in the light of contemporary considerations.'

The Spanish conquest of Mexico began in 1519 with Hernán Cortés, leading to centuries of colonial rule. Historical accounts detail the brutal actions against indigenous peoples, the decimation of populations due to advanced weaponry and introduced diseases, and the suppression of pre-Columbian cultures in pursuit of gold and resources.

Context of the Acknowledgment

Albares' statement was delivered at the opening of the exhibition titled 'Half the World: Women in Indigenous Mexico,' an event organized at the request of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. While the acknowledgment represents a significant gesture, some observers note that Madrid has stopped short of issuing a formal apology. Meanwhile, the leader of Spain's conservative Popular Party (PP), Alberto Núñez Feijóo, expressed a differing view, stating he was 'not going to be ashamed of my country's history,' and instead criticized the current Spanish government.