The diplomatic friendship between Peru and Mexico has unexpectedly soured dramatically. This change comes on the heels of Mexico’s granting asylum to Betssy Chávez, Peru’s former prime minister. This dramatic decision plays against a backdrop of greater political turmoil. It comes on the heels of the ousting of former president Pedro Castillo, who was removed under grave charges of trying a coup.
Pedro Castillo skyrocketed to the presidency in July 2021 after a leftist grassroots campaign. In December 2022, the Peruvian parliament removed him from office after his attempt to dissolve the legislature and call for new elections. He was unable to buy military loyalty on his final move, leading to his speedy ouster from office. Less than a year after, he was getting arrested himself. Castillo now finds himself in dire legal straits, as prosecutors charge Castillo with instigating a coup against the government.
Chávez took office as Castillo’s first prime minister during a deeply convulsed period. Today, he finds himself the subject of a rebellion investigation, and charged as an accomplice in a series of crimes against the state. The Peruvian government is urging a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. They claim that she participated in the supposed coup attempt.
As a result of this extraordinary development, Chávez requested asylum in Mexico. The Mexican government had agreed to his request at its embassy in Lima, the Peruvian capital. As one could expect, this strategic step has incurred the wrath of the Peruvian government.
Peru’s foreign minister, Hugo de Zela, expressed strong disapproval of Mexico’s actions.… Today, we were shocked and pained to hear that ex-Prime Minister Betssy Chávez has requested asylum at the Mexican embassy in Perú. Chávez is reportedly a co-autheur of the coup attempt by ex-Presidnet Pedro Castillo.
As part of the fallout from this particular diplomatic incident, Peru allegedly announced the breaking of its diplomatic relations with Mexico. The foreign ministry of the Republic of Korea condemned Mexico’s decision, labeling it an “unfriendly act.” This latest move underscores the deep deterioration in bilateral relations amidst Ecuador’s ongoing political crisis.
Although this situation continues to develop, it’s worth noting that Pedro Castillo’s family has relocated to Mexico. This applied to his wife and children. The Mexican government expressed solidarity with Castillo, continuing its pattern of supporting leftist leaders across the region.
Peru’s political scene is currently fraught with high tension. Both countries are still vigorously figuring out how to manage the consequences of their diplomatic rift and the related legal battles with Chávez and Castillo. As investigations proceed and public opinion shifts, the future of their political aspirations seems less certain.