Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Community of Madrid, defended the Spanish conquest of America during a visit to Mexico this week [1].
Ayuso's comments have ignited a diplomatic and social firestorm because they challenge the modern Mexican perspective on colonial history and the systemic violence of the conquest. By framing the period as a positive historical narrative, she has drawn sharp criticism from local observers and officials.
Speaking Wednesday, Ayuso said the historical period was a "new order" established by "los de la cruz" — those of the cross [1]. Her remarks were made in response to questions regarding the Spanish King's own words about the conquest of the Americas [1].
While defending the broader framework of the conquest, Ayuso said that "abusos" or abuses were committed against the indigenous population [1]. However, she maintained that the overall impact established a specific order in the region [1].
Critics in Mexico argue that emphasizing the religious and structural "order" of the conquest minimizes the devastation faced by indigenous peoples. The tension highlights the ongoing friction between Spanish historical narratives and the lived history of former colonies in Latin America [1].
Ayuso did not provide further details on the specific nature of the abuses she mentioned, focusing instead on the ideological legacy of the Spanish presence in the Americas [1].
“"Los de la cruz"”
This incident underscores the enduring tension in Hispano-American relations regarding the legacy of colonialism. By attributing the conquest to a religious 'order,' Ayuso aligns herself with a traditionalist Spanish narrative that often clashes with the decolonial movements currently influential in Mexican politics and society.
