Spanish king reopens debate on conquest of Mexico by acknowledging 'abuse'
King Felipe appears to have helped thaw frosty relations with Mexico while reviving a fierce debate over events 500 years ago.
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Notable Quotes
"One could say that it is not everything we would have wanted but it is a gesture of reconciliation by the king in terms of what we were talking about: an acknowledgement of excesses, exterminations that happened during the Spaniards' arrival."
— Claudia Sheinbaum , Politician
"The opposition leader's stance placed him on the radical right and that he was denying history."
— Elma Saiz , Politician
"There are things that, when we study them, we come to know them, and well, with our current values, they obviously cannot make us feel proud."
— King Felipe VI , Politician
"There has been pain, pain and injustice toward the indigenous peoples to whom this exhibition is dedicated."
— José Manuel Albares , Politician
"this is the first time that a Spanish government authority has spoken of regretting the injustice."
— Claudia Sheinbaum , Politician
Key People
The leader of Spain's main opposition party, the conservative People's Party (PP).
Former president of Mexico who demanded an apology from Spain for historical human rights violations.
Claudia Sheinbaum is the President of Mexico City.
Elma Saiz is the Minister for Inclusion, Social Security and Immigration in Spain.
King Felipe VI is the current King of Spain.
José Manuel Albares is the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain.
King Felipe VI is the current King of Spain.
He is the Prime Minister of Spain.
Quirino Ordaz is the current Ambassador of Mexico to Spain.
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All Coverage
King Felipe appears to have helped thaw frosty relations with Mexico while reviving a fierce debate over events 500 years ago.
King Felipe VI acknowledged the abuses and ethical controversies associated with Spain's conquest of the Americas, particularly in Mexico, during a museum exhibition in Madrid.
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