Sources from the autonomous executive have indicated that Mexican authorities allegedly pressured the event organizers, threatening to close the complex where the gala is held if the Madrid president attended. This situation prompted the president's decision not to attend, aiming to avoid harm to Mexican business owners and the ceremony's progress.
The Platino Awards, an Ibero-American film event, is being held this year in Cancun, alternating annually with Madrid. The event is co-sponsored by the Community of Madrid and the City Council of the capital, highlighting the significance of Madrid's involvement.
“"The president has decided not to attend the gala so as not to harm Mexican business owners, nor the participants in the celebration of an international event of this magnitude."
The regional government has described the alleged behavior of the Mexican authorities as “unprecedented,” lamenting what they consider a “totalitarian and violent drift” that, according to their statements, is leading Mexico to “serious anti-democratic episodes.” They have also condemned this act as “an unprecedented gesture against a representative of the Spanish State, culture, and freedom of enterprise and expression.”
Following these incidents, the Madrid City Council has also decided not to send representatives to the gala, despite being a co-sponsor. The deputy mayor of Madrid, who had planned to attend, will ultimately be absent due to the alleged “boycott” and “attacks.”
From the opposition, the spokesperson for Más Madrid in the Assembly criticized the president's trip, calling it “vacations paid for by all Madrid residents” and announced that they would request explanations regarding the cost of the trip and the entourage of public officials and advisors.
