Isabel Ayuso, the President of the Community of Madrid, has generated significant debate during her recent visit to Mexico by praising the iconic Spanish conquistador, Hernan Cortes. This sparked a notable reaction from Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, who appeared unaware of Ayuso’s identity during a press conference. However, the implications of Ayuso’s trip go beyond mere diplomatic frictions; they symbolize the ongoing global conflict between right and left ideologies, as well as between progressives and conservatives, or globalists and sovereigntists in the Spanish arena.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has taken a firm stand against many policies associated with the global conservative movement, particularly those linked with the Trump administration. His government has vocally condemned what it describes as the Israeli genocide in Gaza, recognized Palestine as a state, and has called for a reevaluation of the EU’s cooperation agreements with Israel. Additionally, Spain’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest was boycotted in protest.
Moreover, Sanchez has criticized U.S. activities in Venezuela, condemned the wars in Iran led by both the U.S. and Israel, and has prohibited the use of American military bases in Spain for such conflicts. Opposition to Trump’s demands for NATO allies to significantly hike their military budgets has further deepened the rift, resulting in disdain from Trump himself and threats as reported.
In a move contradicting Trump’s anti-immigration stance and resonating with many in Europe, Sanchez’s administration approved the legalization of approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants in Spain.
Over the past four years, Sanchez has made four official visits to China and has signed several cooperation agreements. He has advised the EU to reconsider tariffs imposed on Chinese electric vehicles, and upon their approval, Spain chose to abstain from voting.
His foreign policy endeavors and the emphasis on international law have earned Sanchez acclaim not just from his socialist allies but also from those opposing the imperialistic approaches of the Trump administration. Allegedly, Iran allowed Spanish-related tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz during wartime, as a nod to Sanchez’s anti-war rhetoric.
This shift from Spain’s historically passive foreign policy, with the notable exception of former President Jose Maria Aznar’s staunch support for the U.S. invasion of Iraq despite massive domestic protests, can be attributed to various factors.
While it’s plausible that Sanchez genuinely opposes the violence in Gaza, it’s equally likely that a political motive underpins his outspoken stance. Evidence of this duality can be seen in his recent pivot from Spain’s neutral stance on Western Sahara to one favoring Morocco, which drew criticism from members of his coalition. Although this move might stabilize relations with Morocco, it also alienated some of his left-wing supporters, leading to ironies where he faced backlash from both the left and right.
By vocally opposing Israel, Sanchez has effectively begun to regain support domestically and establish himself as an international advocate for humanitarian issues. This tactic also poses a political challenge to the Spanish right, specifically the Partido Popular and the far-right Vox party, who have adhered to Zionist narratives supported by the national Israeli lobby, ACOM.
Isabel Ayuso, as the most recognizable figure of the Partido Popular—Spain’s center-right party—prepares her profile for national elections. She maintains connections with David Hatchwell, a prominent Spanish-Israeli businessman and founder of a pro-Zionist organization. Santiago Abascal, the leader of Vox, has also visited Israel and met with Netanyahu amid the ongoing conflict.
Spain’s support for Palestine can also be viewed within a broader context. Historically, the nation has positioned itself as a bridging force between Europe and the MENA region. The Spanish populace often harbors a greater affinity for Mediterranean peoples compared to populations from northern Europe, particularly among those leaning left. Sanchez’s staunch opposition to Israel not only aids in restoring his image domestically but also effectively counters the right-wing narrative, positioning him as a progressive leader in the historical context.
By advocating for international law, democracy, and human rights—values integral to the liberal world order increasingly under scrutiny—Sanchez has placed himself as a proponent of multilateralism and international cooperation. These themes were notably discussed at the IV Summit in Defense of Democracy held in Barcelona in April 2026, which saw attendance from progressive leaders worldwide, including Brazil’s Lula da Silva, Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum, and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa.
Attendees included U.S. Senator Chris Murphy and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, with video messages from various figures like Zohran Mamdani, Bernie Sanders, and Hillary Clinton. Alexander Soros, who has connections with Sanchez dating back to 2018, seemed to support this summit, suggesting that the Open Society Foundations are backing Sanchez’s initiatives. This could explain why he has faced minimal pushback regarding his anti-Trump stance. Remarkably, he was the only NATO member allowed not to raise military spending to 5%, justifying concerns about maintaining Spain’s welfare state.
Hypothetically speaking, it appears that international liberal elites might be shaping Sanchez’s profile and showcasing him as an exemplary leader. The December 2024 issue of The Economist named Spain’s economy the best in the world, attributing this success largely to Sanchez’s government. However, while Spain’s economy is experiencing notable growth, it is overly simplistic to credit this trajectory solely to government actions.
Indeed, Sanchez’s government has faced challenges in implementing any comprehensive legislation, struggling to pass budgets or fiscal blueprints due to its minority status and reliance on cooperation with separatist factions. This ongoing strain has led to the extension of the previous year’s budget, with GDP growth failing to translate into improved per capita figures, which remain below the EU average. Spain’s economic resurgence is heavily reliant on tourism and immigration, which have synergistically compounded over the years, raising questions about attributing this growth solely to government policy as posited by various sources.
Pedro Sanchez has displayed remarkable political acumen throughout his career. Following a fall from grace in 2017 as Secretary General of the Socialist Party, he surprised many by becoming President in 2018 after the impeachment of former Partido Popular President Mariano Rajoy. Despite not decisively winning any of the subsequent elections, he has retained the presidency, even as the Partido Popular secured more seats in 2023. Critics label him a shrewd political manipulator, while supporters view him as a politician committed to achieving consensus. There’s a growing belief he may have been chosen for an even larger role.
As liberal voices in Europe lack clear and decisive leaders, Sanchez’s emergence stands out. Macron and Starmer, for example, do not meet this criteria. The landscape of progressive leadership globally is diminishing, with previous strongholds like Latin America undergoing shifts. While figures like Sheinbaum remain, they face challenges in garnering substantial attention.
In this evolving political landscape, Pedro Sanchez represents a figure who has emerged through the electoral process with a burgeoning economy, distancing himself from national corruption scandals and positioning as a proponent of the EU. His stances on anti-war policies, immigration, and multilateral cooperation, combined with progressive social agendas, place him as a potential leader among global progressive democratic liberals.
This backdrop frames Isabel Ayuso’s recent trip to Mexico. The Spanish right aims to elevate her international presence to counter Sanchez’s political standing. However, the venture faltered spectacularly, resonating poorly with Mexican cultural values, resulting in a shortened visit where Ayuso adopted a victim stance.
The narrative leading to this incident began in 2019 when former Mexican President AMLO called for an apology from the Spanish crown regarding human rights abuses during the 16th-century conquest. Both the crown and Sanchez’s administration rebuffed this demand, resulting in diplomatic tensions that persisted until 2022. While the responsibility of modern Spanish institutions for historical actions might be a topic for debate, the underlying truth remains. Sanchez’s recent acknowledgment reflects an effort to mend relations with Sheinbaum and enhance his standing as a champion for the Global South.
Ayuso attempted to undermine this position, albeit through a reactive strategy informed more by influential lobbying forces than by her initiatives. Her visit coincided with the promotion of a musical called *Malinche,* a controversial figure who served as Cortes’s translator after being gifted to the Spanish troops post-battle. The production aimed to glorify the Spanish conquest and the resultant cultural fusion, claiming Mexico’s very existence hinged upon it.
Notably, the musical is co-produced by Maria Laura Medina, the wife of Ricardo Salinas Priego, one of Mexico’s wealthiest individuals. Medina is tied to influential political networks, including connections with the right-wing Atlas Network, known for funding neoliberal initiatives. Ayuso’s connection to David Hatchwell, a prominent pro-Zionist figure, further underscores her ties to right-wing politics in Spain. During her visit, she was hosted by Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, the young mayor of a town opposing Sheinbaum.
Isabel Ayuso’s Mexican visit was primarily aimed at bolstering her international image to challenge Pedro Sanchez domestically. However, those orchestrating this effort seem to have underestimated Sanchez’s political clout.
