Background on Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the President of Mexico City since 2018 and a member of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) party, has been a prominent figure in Mexican politics. As the head of government for Mexico City, she has been vocal about various international issues, including the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. Her recent stance reflects Mexico’s commitment to non-interventionism and respect for national sovereignty.
Sheinbaum’s Position on Venezuela
In response to the escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, Sheinbaum Pardo emphasized Mexico’s stance on upholding the right to self-determination and rejecting interventionism.
“America does not belong to a doctrine or a power. The American continent belongs to the people of each country that makes it up,” Sheinbaum stated during her regular press conference.
She further elaborated, “Sovereignty and the self-determination of peoples are not optional or negotiable; they are fundamental principles of international law that must always be respected without exceptions.”
Sheinbaum advocated for regional productive chains that could aid the development of nations, emphasizing economic integration and cooperation with respect for sovereignty.
Five Pillars for Regional Integration
- Full respect for sovereignty
- Productive investment for development
- Economic integration with shared production chains
- Social well-being as a growth driver
- Permanent dialogue among equals
Mexico-US Relations Amidst Tensions
Despite the ongoing attacks from U.S. President Donald Trump against Mexico, Sheinbaum Pardo clarified that there is coordination and collaboration between the two governments, based on four mutually recognized principles: respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, shared but differentiated responsibility, mutual respect and trust, and cooperation without subordination.
She explained that shared responsibility implies each country addressing issues within its own territory. In the case of the U.S., she mentioned reducing drug consumption, curbing illegal arms trafficking to Mexico, and combating criminal networks involved in money laundering related to drug trafficking.
Dialogue with Regional Leaders
Sheinbaum Pardo also disclosed that she had conversations with Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Spanish President Pedro Sánchez following the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
“This led to the joint position we took, which essentially reaffirms Mexico’s stance from Saturday. There was a Foreign Ministers’ meeting of CELAC yesterday, and there will be more meetings today and tomorrow,” she said.
Sheinbaum Pardo confirmed that after nearly seven years of tensions, the relationship between Mexico and Spain remains intact, with President Sánchez expressing solidarity with Latin America.
Trump’s Continued Criticism
Later, U.S. President Trump reiterated his criticism of Mexico during a flight on Air Force One, stating that criminal organizations control the country.
“Mexico is not being led; cartels are in control,” Trump asserted, adding that he has repeatedly offered military intervention to combat organized crime but claimed Mexico’s president is hesitant.
Mexican Supreme Court President’s Stance on Maduro
Meanwhile, Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, President of Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice (SCJN), opposed the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the U.S. government.
“We cannot allow or tolerate the law of the strongest to prevail, imposing itself and dictating the destinies of our countries and the entire world,” Aguilar stated, clearly referring to U.S. military intervention.
Aguilar Ortiz called for faith in the legal framework established to resolve differences and build a more just and dignified society at all levels.
New Year’s Wishes
At the beginning of the SCJN’s annual session, Aguilar Ortiz wished Mexicans a happy new year, emphasizing the importance of unity and vigilance for the nation’s welfare.
