The diplomatic legacy of AMLO, characterized by dogmatic notions that “intoxicated,” now faces the additional burden of poverty. Secretary De la Fuente’s recent attempt to promote a “humanist diplomacy” mantra was overshadowed by financial issues affecting Mexican consulates.
On a fateful Friday, De la Fuente unveiled the slogan “Humanist Diplomacy,” yet hours later, consulate workers in Sacramento and Nogales halted operations due to unpaid March salaries from the DGPOP of the Secretariat of Foreign Relations (SRE). Guillermo Ibarra, head of this department, warned that similar delays could recur.
A confidential source detailed a videoconference held on April 2nd, two days before Univision news stations revealed the consulate closures in the U.S. Ibarra urged staff to communicate via WhatsApp with Marco Antonio Márquez Macías or Karina Reyes Durán for salary concerns.
The DGPOP budget, distributed to consulates, covers employee salaries and operational costs like mobile services, weekend hours, rent, utilities, internet, etc. SRE announced the overdue wages had been paid, but only partially. Crucial programs—protection, weekend services—remained unfunded, affecting public service delivery.
This situation reflects poorly on Mexico’s image, according to insiders. Moreover, Ibarra informed staff the SRE won’t cover penalties for delayed services, leaving consulates to bear these costs. The secretary’s lack of international travel further exacerbates the diplomatic stagnation.
In contrast, U.S. Secretaries of State frequently travel abroad, averaging two out of three days. AMLO managed just 16 foreign trips in six years, eight to the U.S., skipping Europe, Asia, and Oceania entirely. This passive approach contrasts sharply with proactive global diplomacy.
The secretary’s oversight of external affairs, coupled with financial mismanagement, raises questions about Mexico’s effective international presence under AMLO’s leadership.
