After learning of Peru’s decision to break diplomatic relations with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, a sector of national politics has called for the resignation of Miguel Rodríguez Mackay as foreign minister, a position to which he was appointed on August 7 by President Pedro Castillo, replacing César Landa.
One of the voices that joined this request was that of Verónika Mendoza, a former presidential candidate, who, in accordance with what was expressed by the New Peru political group, pointed out that, given the circumstances of this change in Peru’s foreign relations, it is necessary a rectification by the Executive and the departure of Rodríguez Mackay from the Torre Tagle Palace.
“President Castillo, as head of foreign policy, reestablished diplomatic relations with the SADR after the Fujimori dictatorship broke them for no legitimate reason. Today, he breaks his commitment to the Saharawi State and people. We await rectification and departure from the Foreign Minister, ”Mendoza wrote on his Twitter account.
It is necessary to specify that relations between Peru and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic were reestablished in September 2021, when the Foreign Ministry was under the direction of Óscar Maúrtua. This measure came after 25 years of unofficial links, since in 1996 the then president Alberto Fujimori had decided to suspend relations between the two.
They ask for the resignation of the chancellor due to the Escazú Agreement
The rupture of relations with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is not the only reason why they have requested changes in the Foreign Ministry. Previously, the suitability of Rodriguez Mackay’s election as minister had been questioned because of his position on key issues for Peru’s foreign policy, in particular the Escazú Agreement.
This document, fundamental for the defense of the environment in the region, had been reviled by the now chancellor in various public appearances. This opinion, contrary to the vision that had been developing in foreign relations, questioned the guidelines that the country would assume in the face of its commitments in terms of environmental responsibility.
Given this situation, institutions and groups in favor of the preservation of the environment demanded through a statement that President Castillo end Rodríguez Mackay’s term in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or request his resignation, this in the midst of a sit-in held outside Torre Tagle.
“We ask the Government of President Pedro Castillo to order the necessary corrections in the positions of the current foreign minister, and proceed to strengthen the State’s capacities to address environmental and climate priorities, protect environmental rights defenders,” said the representatives of these organizations.
