Attack Against Ciro Gómez Leyva/Mexicans Trapped in Peru

Attack against journalist. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador condemned the attack against Ciro Gómez Leyva and assured that the government is already investigating this crime. "Fortunately, there were no fatal consequences. I want to send my solidarity to Gómez Leyva, who was the victim of an attack yesterday."

Today, Leyva, host of the program Por la Mañana on Radio Fórmula said his bullet proof car was shot several times. The Secretary of Citizen Security of the Federal District, Omar García Harfuch, assured that those responsible will be identified. So far, there have been 13 journalists murdered in 2022. 

Peru crisis. President López Obrador assured that support is being provided to Mexican citizens trapped in Peru due to the country´s closure of airports after the coup d'état. “There is a plan to bring them to Mexico. The situation is complicated, so it is taking time.”

Pedro Castillo, former President of Peru, was removed from office after a Coup d’Etat. Castillo was deposed after he tried to dissolve the Peruvian Congress following corruption allegations against him. President López Obrador announced that Castillo asked for political asylum in Mexico but was arrested before he could reach the Mexican Embassy. Dina Boluarte, former Vice President of Peru, is now temporarily occupying the role of Head of State, becoming the first woman to do so. López Obrador has delayed the acknowledgment of Boluarte’sgovernment. Moreover, he said it is uncertain if diplomatic relationship between Peru and Mexico will continue. Currently there is approximately 450 Mexicans in Peru.

Relations with Spain. President López Obrador stressed thatinterruptions in the relationship between Mexico and Spain will continue due to the lack of respect from their counterparts. "The pause continues, because there is no respect from them. I sent a respectful letter to the King of Spain, and he did not even respond."

In February, López Obrador announced that the Mexican government "would take a break" in its relationship with Spain, since he considers that the country has taken advantage of Mexican citizens and and its natural resources since colonial times. López Obrador said that it is not just the matter of Spain apologizing for its conquest of Mexico but of making sure Spanish companies operate in accordance with Mexican laws. The Head of Spanish diplomacy, José Manuel Albares, said the statements had surprised the Spanish government but that no statement would be made or measures taken until the Mexican government officially informs Spain about its intentions.