Sheinbaum defends self-determination of peoples in Colombia and Bolivia; 'each people must decide who governs them,' she says

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has strongly defended the principle of self-determination for nations, asserting that "each people has to decide who governs them." This declaration follows threats from the United States to revoke visas for individuals attempting to manipulate the upcoming presidential election runoff in Colombia.

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As the Constitution says: the self-determination of peoples, that will always be our position. The peoples of the world, each people has to decide who governs them, how they are governed, and how they resolve their problems. That is Mexico's position and it is not only out of conviction, but because it is in the Constitution of the Republic.

Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico's unwavering position during a press conference, stating, "As the Constitution says: the self-determination of peoples, that will always be our position. The peoples of the world, each people has to decide who governs them, how they are governed, and how they resolve their problems. That is Mexico's position and it is not only out of conviction, but because it is in the Constitution of the Republic."

The U.S. has increased pressure on Colombia, with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stating that "the United States is watching. Bolivia must not allow the old status quo of narcoterrorist rule in the region to reassert itself." U.S. officials have also warned that those seeking to undermine democratic processes risk their visas and those of their families.

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The United States is watching. Bolivia must not allow the old status quo of narcoterrorist rule in the region to reassert itself.

These statements come amid significant political tension in Bolivia, where various sectors are protesting shortages of food, medicine, and fuel amidst the country's worst economic crisis in four decades. The U.S. has pledged increased emergency aid and logistical support to President Rodrigo Paz's government to counter these protests.

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Those tempted to undermine or manipulate the democratic process, whether by buying votes or otherwise, are warned that they are jeopardizing their visas, and those of their families.