Catalonia apologises to Mexican people

The Catalan region of Spain has formally apologised for it’s involvement in the 16^th Century conquests of the land now known as Mexico.

The government of the autonomous region offered the apology yesterday (June 20) despite Spain’s refusal to do so.

The apology is in relation to the killings and other offences carried out during the invasion of the area towards the indigenous people.

The statement was issued by the Catalan Minister for Foreign Action, Alfred Bosch, during a speech at the National Institute of Indigenous People (INPI). A letter from Mexican president Lopez Obrador asking for resolution from both the King of Spain as well as Pope Francis prompted the apology.

Bosch stated: “What is clear is that the conquest and colonisation introduced discrimination and marginalization to Mexico”

Bosch’s statement was greatly welcomed by the Mexican President, and goes to further strengthen relations between the country and the Catalan region, with Obrador a public supporter of Catalonia’s independence.

However the Spanish government remains steadfast in their refusal to apologise, and went onto condemn the region for their approach.

“The events of 500 years ago cannot be accounted for under contemporary conditions” said Spain’s Foreign Minister, Josep Borrell.