Peru’s Congress voted on Thursday to declare Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum persona non grata after her government granted asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chavez, who is on trial for allegedly aiding a 2022 coup attempt.
The resolution, passed by a 63–33 vote, deepens a growing diplomatic rift between the two countries. Tensions escalated on Monday when Mexico approved asylum for Chavez, prompting Peru to sever formal diplomatic ties.
Chavez served as prime minister in December 2022 under then-president Pedro Castillo, who was ousted and arrested after attempting to dissolve Congress during a political standoff.
Peru’s acting Congress president, Fernando Rospigliosi, accused Sheinbaum of “interfering” in the country’s internal affairs, saying Mexico’s decision to shelter Chavez violated diplomatic norms.
“It has been clearly established that President Sheinbaum interfered not only through statements but also through direct action by granting asylum,” Rospigliosi said.
However, socialist lawmaker Jaime Quito criticized the move as an unnecessary provocation. “Once again, they are making an international embarrassment by breaking relations with our sister country, Mexico,” he said.
Interim Peruvian president Jose Jeri confirmed Monday that Mexico’s top diplomat in Lima had been ordered to leave within a “strict deadline.”
Relations between the two countries have been tense since the 2022 ouster of Castillo, a former teacher and union leader described as Peru’s first working-class president. Castillo was arrested while reportedly heading to the Mexican embassy to seek asylum for himself and his family.
Both Castillo and Chavez are facing trial — Castillo for rebellion and abuse of authority, and Chavez for allegedly supporting his failed coup attempt. Prosecutors have requested 34 years in prison for Castillo and 25 years for Chavez.
Chavez, who was released on bail, is currently residing in the Mexican ambassador’s residence in Lima while awaiting safe passage to Mexico.
The latest diplomatic fallout underscores the ongoing instability in Peru, which has experienced multiple presidential impeachments and leadership crises over the past decade.
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