Background on Key Figures and Context
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, has been declared “persona non grata” by Peru’s Congress due to her alleged interference in the country’s internal affairs. This decision stems from Sheinbaum’s granting of political asylum to Betssy Chávez, the former head of Mexico’s cabinet.
Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? – Claudia Sheinbaum is the current Head of Government (equivalent to Mayor) of Mexico City and serves as the deputy of Mexico’s President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. She has been a prominent figure in Mexican politics since her appointment as the head of the Mexico City government in 2018.
Who is Betssy Chávez? – Betssy Chávez was the former head of the Office of the Presidency’s Cabinet during ex-President Pedro Castillo’s administration. She is currently under investigation for her alleged involvement in the failed coup attempt of December 2022.
Congressional Decision and Reactions
The Peruvian Congress, driven by right-wing parties, passed the motion with 63 votes in favor and 33 against. The decision stems from Sheinbaum’s alleged hostile conduct towards Peru since assuming her role.
Following this decision, Peru broke off diplomatic relations with Mexico on Monday due to the asylum granted to Chávez. The ex-cabinet member is currently taking refuge at the Mexican embassy in Lima.
José Jerí, the interim President of Peru, informed Karla Ornelas, Mexico’s ambassador to Peru, that she must leave the country promptly following the severed diplomatic ties.
The Mexican government described Lima’s decision as excessive and disproportionate, defending the asylum granted to Chávez as a legitimate act in accordance with international law that does not interfere with Peru’s internal affairs.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Bilateral Commerce
Despite the political crisis, bilateral commerce between Peru and Mexico remains unaffected.
In March, Chávez and ex-President Castillo began their trial for alleged rebellion. The prosecution seeks 25 years in prison for Chávez, who was then-President of the Council of Ministers in Castillo’s purported plan.
Chávez is currently free while under investigation, whereas Castillo has been in pretrial detention since December 2022.
Background of the Political Crisis
On December 7, 2022, Castillo announced his intention to dissolve Congress and convene a Constituent Assembly. That day, he faced a motion of impeachment based on alleged corruption charges.
Lacking military support, Castillo was eventually dismissed by votes from left- and right-wing blocs and arrested by police as he attempted to seek asylum at the Mexican embassy in Lima with his family.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who declared Claudia Sheinbaum “persona non grata”? The Peruvian Congress declared Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s President, “persona non grata.”
- Why was Sheinbaum declared “persona non grata”? Sheinbaum was deemed “persona non grata” due to her alleged interference in Peru’s internal affairs, specifically for granting political asylum to Betssy Chávez.
- What is the current status of Betssy Chávez? Betssy Chávez is currently taking refuge at the Mexican embassy in Lima after being granted political asylum.
- How has Peru responded to the asylum grant? Peru broke off diplomatic relations with Mexico and demanded Mexico’s ambassador leave the country promptly.
- What is the state of bilateral commerce between Peru and Mexico? Despite the political crisis, bilateral commerce between Peru and Mexico remains unaffected.
