Mexico Moves to Ban Dual Citizenship for Presidential Candidates

MEXICO CITY: A proposed constitutional reform in Mexico is advancing towards final approval, which would require presidential candidates to renounce any dual citizenship. This initiative, backed by the ruling Morena party, has sparked criticism for potentially infringing on political rights and aiming to obstruct opposition rivals.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly defended the measure, asserting that it serves as a safeguard against foreign interference in national politics. “Presidents of Mexico can only have one flag, one homeland, one people to defend,” Sheinbaum stated during her daily news conference on Wednesday.

Critics argue that the reform creates barriers for dual-national politicians and could hinder generational succession within Sheinbaum’s Morena party and its allies, many of whom hold foreign passports. The swift approval of these constitutional changes by a majority of Mexico’s 32 state legislatures reflects the ruling party’s strong influence after passing both chambers of the national Congress.

Lawmakers are now tasked with issuing a formal “declaration of constitutionality” before the text can be published in the official gazette, marking a significant step in the legislative process.