In a surprising announcement during his early morning conference, Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador declared a significant change in the country’s geographical nomenclature. The Sea of Cortes, a body of water known for its stunning beauty and rich biodiversity, will henceforth be known as the Gulf of California. This name change, seemingly out of the blue, has piqued the curiosity of many.
President Lopez Obrador, however, didn’t provide any specific reasons for this renaming. But, if you’ve been keeping tabs on his rhetoric, you might recall his strong sentiments regarding Spain’s historical actions in Latin America. He’s been vocal about demanding an apology from Spain for the invasion and colonization of the region, and the tragic mass killings of native Indians. This demand for a historical reckoning has been a recurring theme in his presidency.
This latest move, the renaming of the Sea of Cortes to the Gulf of California, could be seen as part of his broader effort to assert Mexico’s identity and sovereignty, and perhaps, to rewrite parts of its history that are closely tied with Spanish colonization. Whether this change will have any significant impact beyond the maps and signboards, only time will tell. But for now, it’s another interesting chapter in Lopez Obrador’s presidency, marked by his unique approach to politics and history.