Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and Her Relevance
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the current Head of Government (equivalent to a mayor) of Mexico City, often referred to as the capital city’s chief executive. As a prominent political figure in Mexico, she has been actively involved in national and international affairs. Her recent controversy stems from the Peruvian Congress’s decision to declare her “persona non grata,” which has sparked a diplomatic row between the two nations.
Mexico’s Stance on Peru’s Decision
The Mexican government expressed its disapproval of the Peruvian Congress’s decision to declare Claudia Sheinbaum “persona non grata,” stating that the move is based on “false premises.” The Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) emphasized that México has not interfered in Peru’s internal matters and adheres to its established foreign policy principles and diplomatic traditions.
Defense of Asylum Grant to Betssy Chávez
Mexico’s foreign ministry also defended its decision to grant political asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, asserting that the move was in strict adherence to international law applicable to both countries.
United Nations General Assembly Recognition
In its statement, Mexico reminded the Peruvian Congress that the United Nations General Assembly has acknowledged political asylum as a peaceful and humanitarian act that cannot be deemed hostile by any other state.
Diplomatic Tensions Between Mexico and Peru
The Peruvian Congress’s decision comes amidst growing diplomatic tensions between Lima and Mexico, stemming from the granting of asylum to former officials of ex-President Pedro Castillo’s government, including Betssy Chávez, who faces charges related to the 2022 attempted coup.
Peruvian Congress’s Motion
The Peruvian Congress approved a motion on Thursday to declare Sheinbaum “persona non grata,” alleging that her statements negatively impacted the sovereignty and diplomatic relations between the two countries. The motion was presented by opposition lawmakers against the Mexican government and supported by a majority in the legislative body. However, the Peruvian executive has yet to issue an official statement regarding the decision.
Strained Relations Between Mexico and Peru
Since late 2022, relations between Mexico and Peru have been strained following the ousting of then-President Pedro Castillo and his successor, Dina Boluarte’s assumption of power. In this context, Mexico granted asylum to Castillo’s family and former administration officials, prompting Lima to expel the Mexican ambassador and sever diplomatic ties at the embassy level. Since then, bilateral relations have been confined to consular levels and multilateral forums.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo? Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the Head of Government of Mexico City, akin to a mayor for the capital city.
- Why was Claudia Sheinbaum declared persona non grata by Peru? The Peruvian Congress accused Sheinbaum of making statements that allegedly affected Peru’s sovereignty and diplomatic relations, although she and the Mexican government deny these claims.
- What is the significance of political asylum in this situation? Mexico granted political asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, which contributed to the diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
- How has the relationship between Mexico and Peru been affected? Since late 2022, diplomatic relations between Mexico and Peru have been strained due to the granting of asylum to former officials of ex-President Pedro Castillo’s administration, leading to the expulsion of Mexico’s ambassador and the severing of diplomatic ties at the embassy level.
