Peru’s Congress voted on Thursday to declare Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum persona non grata. Lawmakers acted after Mexico granted asylum to ex-Prime Minister Betssy Chavez, who faces charges of helping former President Pedro Castillo in his failed 2022 coup attempt.

Tensions rise between Peru and Mexico

Relations between Peru and Mexico were already tense. They worsened sharply on Monday when Mexico offered asylum to Chavez. In response, Peru broke off diplomatic ties with Mexico.

Chavez was Peru’s prime minister in December 2022, when Castillo tried to dissolve Congress and seize control. Lawmakers impeached him and removed him from office after the failed move.

Congress votes to condemn Sheinbaum

Lawmakers passed the motion with 63 votes in favor and 33 against. Congress recently removed Castillo’s successor, President Dina Boluarte, who had also become unpopular.

Acting Congress President Fernando Rospigliosi said Sheinbaum clearly interfered in Peru’s internal affairs. “It has been clearly established,” he said, that Sheinbaum acted “not only in words” but also by granting asylum to Chavez.

Socialist lawmaker Jaime Quito opposed the move. He said, “once again, they are making an international embarrassment by breaking relations with our sister country Mexico.”

Peru expels Mexican diplomat

After ties broke down, interim President Jose Jeri ordered Mexico’s top diplomat in Lima to leave the country. He gave a “strict deadline” for the departure.

The dispute follows long-running tensions since Castillo’s ouster. Castillo, a former teacher and union leader, was called Peru’s “first poor president.”

Castillo and Chavez face trial

In December 2022, Castillo was on his way to the Mexican embassy in Lima to seek asylum with his family when police arrested him. Authorities charged him with rebellion and abuse of power.

Chavez, who was serving as his prime minister, faced similar charges. She went on trial with Castillo in March 2025.

Castillo remains in preventive detention. Chavez was released on bail but later took refuge in the Mexican ambassador’s residence. Peru’s Foreign Ministry is reviewing her request for safe passage to Mexico.

Prosecutors demand long prison terms

Prosecutors have sought a 25-year sentence for Chavez for helping Castillo’s failed coup. They want a 34-year term for Castillo himself.