Mexico’s Permanent Commission of Congress confirmed Claudia Pavlovich, the former PRI governor of Sonora, as the country’s new ambassador to Panama in a vote on August 6 that sparked tension between ruling and opposition blocs.
Pavlovich’s appointment was supported by President Claudia Sheinbaum and approved by a 25–10 vote, with members of Morena and its allied parties backing the nomination, while PAN lawmakers voiced strong objections.
The confirmation makes Pavlovich one of several former opposition leaders to take on diplomatic roles under Sheinbaum’s administration, part of a broader strategy to include experienced figures from across Mexico’s political spectrum in foreign policy positions.
From governor to diplomat
Claudia Pavlovich served as governor of Sonora from 2015 to 2021, representing the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). She was the first woman to hold the post in the northern border state and previously served in the Senate.
Her diplomatic appointment had been pending for weeks, following her stint as Mexico’s consul in Barcelona. Critics had accused her of receiving political favors in exchange for stepping back from PRI leadership after her term as governor.
Now, as ambassador, Pavlovich will represent Mexico’s interests in Panama—a key regional partner in trade, migration, and multilateral diplomacy.
The Foreign Ministry praised her confirmation, citing her “executive experience and leadership credentials” as qualifications for the post.
Opposition decries appointment as political reward
PAN senators interrupted the session with protest chants and signs, accusing Morena of using diplomatic positions to co-opt former rivals or reward friendly PRI factions.
One PAN legislator called Pavlovich’s appointment “a political arrangement disguised as diplomacy.”
Others said she lacked the foreign policy experience expected of an ambassador, and warned that handing out such posts to ex-governors sends the wrong message about diplomatic professionalism.
The Pavlovich vote comes amid growing unease in the opposition about what they see as an erosion of checks and balances under Sheinbaum’s administration.
In recent weeks, several former officials affiliated with opposition parties—including from PAN and PRI—have been nominated to ambassadorships and consular posts.
A pattern of cross-party diplomacy
Sheinbaum’s government has defended the practice, saying it reflects an inclusive approach to national unity and global engagement.
The president’s office emphasized that Mexico’s foreign service includes both career diplomats and political appointees, and that Pavlovich’s record in public service meets the legal and professional standards required.
Supporters inside Morena say Pavlovich has the experience to handle the post and that criticism of her appointment is based more on partisanship than merit.
“She’s a former governor, a lawyer, and has represented Mexico abroad before,” said a Morena senator. “This is not a gift. It’s a job she is qualified to do.”
Pavlovich takes oath amid protests
The former governor took her oath during the Senate session while opposition lawmakers voiced their disapproval.
Despite the tension, Pavlovich kept a calm demeanor and made no public statement after her confirmation.
She is expected to begin her diplomatic duties in Panama City later this month, pending standard diplomatic accreditation procedures.
Panama as a strategic post
While not as high-profile as Mexico’s embassies in Washington, Madrid, or Buenos Aires, the Panama posting is considered strategically important due to regional trade, security, and migration issues.
Panama is also home to key financial institutions and logistics corridors, including the Panama Canal, which affects global shipping routes for Mexican exports.
Analysts say the position will require steady leadership as Mexico navigates regional diplomacy in Central America, especially with rising migration flows and cooperation on anti-corruption measures.
