The proposal to restrict access to elected positions for Mexicans with dual nationality could represent a setback for the political rights of millions of citizens, international analyst Gabriel Guerra warned.
In an interview with Ana Francisca Vega for MVS Noticias, Guerra analyzed the debate opened this week by President Claudia Sheinbaum and considered that the proposal takes on a different dimension amid the current tensions between Mexico and the United States and the policies promoted by Donald Trump.
“I do believe that it takes us back to the 19th century. I don’t like it; I understand and share the concern about U.S. interference in Mexican politics, but I don’t see this as the way to combat it,” he said.
Mexico took years to recognize dual nationality
Guerra recalled that Mexico maintained restrictions on dual nationality for decades and that it was not until the government of Ernesto Zedillo, in the 1990s, that the legal framework was modified, primarily with Mexican nationals who had emigrated to the United States and their families in mind.
The specialist explained that the current debate also has historical roots due to the various foreign interventions Mexico has faced.
However, he considered that the current context with the United States has caused a proposal that a few years ago would have seemed unlikely to gain greater acceptance today.
“Given the completely changed climate in the relationship with the United States, given Trump’s constant threats, let’s say that it resonates. That doesn’t mean it is justified, but it resonates,” he explained.
Other countries do impose restrictions
Guerra noted that there are international precedents of countries that impose conditions on citizens with dual nationality who seek to run for public office.
He mentioned the cases of Australia and Austria, as well as some nations in the Caribbean and Africa.
He particularly highlighted Nigeria’s model, where, according to his explanation, individuals are required to renounce their second nationality before running for certain positions.
He also suggested that there could be a distinction between those who have a second nationality automatically by birth or ancestry and those who voluntarily choose to acquire citizenship in another country.
He sees a possible “target” behind the proposal
The analyst acknowledged that the debate in Mexico raises questions about whether the initiative could be aimed at specific individuals who hold dual nationality and have political ambitions.
“It seems to have a target, and that is something that concerns me and that I don’t like,” he said.
During the conversation, figures such as Ricardo Salinas Pliego and Julián LeBarón were mentioned, both of whom have been part of the public discussion regarding their dual nationality and possible electoral aspirations.
Guerra nevertheless insisted that holding two nationalities should not automatically become an obstacle to exercising political rights, particularly when the second citizenship was obtained by birth or through family ties.
To illustrate this, Ana Francisca Vega raised the case of Mexicans or children of Mexicans who grew up in the United States and who, amid the tightening of U.S. immigration policy, return to Mexico.
“They are Mexicans who should perfectly well have all the political rights that anyone else has,” Guerra replied.
The analyst concluded that although there is a legitimate concern about potential U.S. interference in national politics, restricting the political rights of Mexicans with dual nationality would not be the appropriate mechanism to confront it.
Source: mvsnoticias
