Background on Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the current Head of Government (equivalent to Mayor) of Mexico City and represents the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) party. Previously, she served as the Secretary of Environmental Affairs and Sustainable Development under Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Her role in Mexico City places her at the forefront of addressing urban issues, including climate change and public transportation.
The Motion Against Sheinbaum
On September 8, the Peruvian Congress’s Foreign Relations Committee approved a motion proposing to declare Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo persona non grata. The motion was passed with 12 votes in favor and 6 against, and it will now be considered by the full Parliament to confirm the decision.
The proposal was initiated by Congressman Ernesto Bustamante Donayre from Fuerza Popular, who argued that Sheinbaum’s statements about the removal of Peruvian President Pedro Castillo constitute “an affront to the country’s institutional framework.” Lawmakers like Maricarmen Alva and José Cueto echoed this sentiment, stating that Sheinbaum’s comments affect Peru’s sovereignty and have international implications.
However, some legislators, such as Alex Flores from the Magisterial Bloc, opposed the motion, arguing that Sheinbaum’s statements were personal opinions rather than official acts.
Next Steps
The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Relations will now take the necessary diplomatic actions based on this decision. The motion, if confirmed by the full Parliament, would require Sheinbaum to leave Peru within a specified period.
Sheinbaum’s Stance on Medical Collaboration with Cuba
During her regular press conference, Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the ongoing collaboration with Cuba regarding medical professionals. She confirmed that Mexico will maintain its agreement with Cuba for hiring specialist doctors, emphasizing that it is a legitimate and ongoing arrangement that does not replace Mexican medical professionals.
Sheinbaum explained that the collaboration aims to address the shortage of specialists in Mexico and highlighted that Cuban professionals serve in remote communities. When questioned about the 2026 budget for this program, Sheinbaum stated that she would provide further details at a later date.
In response to criticisms that the agreement supports the Cuban government, Sheinbaum stressed the importance of ensuring medical care for vulnerable populations.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo? Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the Head of Government of Mexico City and a prominent figure in Mexican politics, previously serving as the Secretary of Environmental Affairs and Sustainable Development under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
- What is the motion against Sheinbaum about? The Peruvian Congress approved a motion to declare Claudia Sheinbaum persona non grata due to her comments on the removal of Peruvian President Pedro Castillo, which were deemed an affront to Peru’s institutional framework.
- What is the next step in this process? The motion will now be considered by the full Peruvian Parliament. If confirmed, diplomatic actions will follow to ensure Sheinbaum leaves Peru within a specified period.
- What is Sheinbaum’s stance on the collaboration with Cuba? Claudia Sheinbaum supports the agreement with Cuba for hiring specialist doctors to address the shortage of medical professionals in Mexico, particularly in remote communities. She emphasized that this collaboration does not replace Mexican medical professionals and aims to ensure care for vulnerable populations.
