• Peru's Congress has voted to declare Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum persona non grata.
• The declaration comes after Mexico granted asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chavez.
• Peru severed diplomatic relations with Mexico amid accusations of interference in its internal affairs.
• Chavez faces serious legal charges linked to an alleged coup attempt and remains in the Mexican embassy in Lima.
• The Mexican government defends its actions, stating they are in accordance with international law.

Peru's Congress has escalated diplomatic tensions with Mexico by declaring President Claudia Sheinbaum persona non grata. This vote was largely influenced by Mexico's recent decision to grant asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chavez, who is currently taking refuge in the Mexican embassy in Lima. The vote passed with 63 votes in favor and 34 against, showcasing significant political support for taking a stand against what Peru sees as Mexico's interference in its internal affairs, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.

This diplomatic rift follows Peru's decision to sever ties with Mexico due to what it termed "unfriendly acts" by Mexico's government. Peru's Foreign Minister, Hugo de Zela, indicated that legal experts are reviewing the "1954 Caracas Convention," which Mexico cited to justify its asylum offer to Chavez. The Peruvian government is concerned that Mexico's actions signify a pattern of interference as it had previously allowed asylum to Castillo's wife and children following his arrest after an attempted coup in 2022, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.

Chavez, now facing severe legal ramifications that could lead to a 25-year prison sentence, has denied any wrongdoing related to the alleged coup attempt. While Chavez remains in the embassy, Peruvian lawmakers debate her potential public office ineligibility, illustrating the internal political fallout from these events. During discussions, members of the Peruvian Congress accused Sheinbaum of having connections to drug trafficking, a claim met with disapproval from the Mexican government, which has steadfastly defended its legal and humanitarian stance regarding Chavez's asylum claim, according to Anadolu Agency.

The diplomatic friction between Peru and Mexico highlights the complex relationship that has deteriorated since former President Pedro Castillo's ousting. As Peru continues to assess the implications of this breakdown in diplomacy, both nations are navigating through entrenched political narratives that have polarized their interactions. Peru asserts that it seeks good relations without interference in its sovereign matters, as exemplified by the political and legal discussions surrounding Chavez's status, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.