{
  "id": 11513781,
  "title": "El Jalapeño: Mexico blasts France for delay in returning a book it borrowed 166 years ago",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/el-jalapeno-mexico-blasts-france-for-delay-in-returning-a-book-it",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T20:00:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mexico News Daily",
    "slug": "mexico-news-daily",
    "url": "https://mexiconewsdaily.com/el-jalapeno/el-jalapeno-mexico-blasts-france-not-returning-book-borrowed-166-years/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has accused the National Library of France of borrowing a priceless Mexica codex, the Azcatitlan Codex, and not returning it for 166 years. Emiliano Muñoz of INAH denounced France's handling of the book, describing it as a \"mutilator of collections and spoiler of the symmetry of shelves.\" Despite repeated requests, Mexico's cultural authorities were met with assurances that the French intended to return the codex, but the delay has now reached a \"16 decades\" threshold, suggesting \"bad faith.\" Muñoz also rebuked France's claim that the book was a gift, stating that one should return borrowed items. The National Library of France responded with an eye-rolling emoji and a counter-accusation that Mexico is not a \"spotless borrower.\" Muñoz has vowed to seek a new book-exchange partner, noting that France would owe Mexico €68 million in late fees if they were held to their own regulations.",
  "summary": "Mexico and France have become embroiled in a \"war of words\" after the latter took 166 years to return (briefly) a historically significant book. The post El Jalapeño: Mexico blasts France for delay in returning a book it borrowed 166 years ago appeared first on Mexico News Daily",
  "key_points": [
    "Mexico's INAH accuses France of delaying return of Azcatitlan Codex for 166 years",
    "INAH calls France a \"mutilator of collections\" and \"spoiler of shelves\"",
    "France responds with eye-rolling emoji and counters Mexico is not a \"spotless borrower\""
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}