Background on Key Figures
Claudia Sheinbaum, the current President of Mexico City and acting President of Mexico since December 2022, has become embroiled in a diplomatic dispute with Peru. The controversy stems from her administration’s decision to grant political asylum to Betssy Chávez, a former high-ranking official in the administration of deposed President Pedro Castillo.
Congressional Decision and Reactions
On Thursday, the Peruvian Congress declared Sheinbaum “persona non grata,” meaning they would not receive her in the country. The motion, presented by right-wing parties, received 63 votes in favor and 33 against, with two abstentions. Congress claims Sheinbaum has shown hostile behavior towards Peru since assuming her role.
Fernando Rospigliosi, President of the Congress, stated in a press conference that Sheinbaum’s actions and statements have disparaged Peru, and granting asylum to Chávez is a recent example of this interference. He also mentioned that Mexico had previously granted asylum to Castillo’s wife.
However, opposition forces criticized the legislative majority’s decision. Jaime Quito, a congressman from the Socialist bloc, opposed the move, arguing that it violates Peru’s 1954 agreement on diplomatic asylum.
Diplomatic Relations and Trade
Following the severance of diplomatic ties on Monday, Peru’s interim President José Jerí ordered Mexico’s ambassador, Karla Ornela, to leave the country within a strict timeframe.
Despite the political crisis, bilateral trade continues unaffected.
Legal Proceedings and Asylum
Betssy Chávez faces charges of rebellion and is being tried in Mexico, where she currently resides under asylum. Her former boss, Pedro Castillo, is serving preventive detention since December 2022 for the alleged failed coup attempt in December 2022.
Mexico’s Response
The Mexican government rejected the “persona non grata” declaration by the Peruvian Congress against Sheinbaum. In a statement, Mexico’s foreign ministry emphasized that it has not interfered in Peru’s internal affairs and dismissed the declaration as based on false premises.
The Mexican government also referenced the United Nations Assembly’s declaration that asylum is a peaceful act.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? Sheinbaum is the current President of Mexico City and acting President of Mexico since December 2022.
- What is the dispute about? The disagreement stems from Sheinbaum’s decision to grant political asylum to Betssy Chávez, a former high-ranking official in the administration of deposed President Pedro Castillo.
- What actions has Peru taken? The Peruvian Congress declared Sheinbaum “persona non grata,” and Peru severed diplomatic ties with Mexico.
- How has México responded? The Mexican government rejected the “persona non grata” declaration and emphasized that it has not interfered in Peru’s internal affairs.
- What is the status of Betssy Chávez and Pedro Castillo? Chávez is under trial in Mexico for rebellion charges while serving asylum, and Castillo is in preventive detention since December 2022.
