Gobierno de Mexico

Mexico's Education Secretary Esteban Moctezuma was nominated as ambassador to the United States on Dec. 16, 2020.

MEXICO CITY — In December, Mexico’s ambassador in the U.S. resigned. The surprise announcement raised many questions, but the U.S. has now ratified the new ambassador: a former secretary that has worked for several administrations and parties. Meanwhile, the U.S. embassy in Mexico awaits for a new leader.

Martha Bárcena was the first Mexican female ambassador in the U.S. In mid-December, the 63-year-old stated that she would retire from diplomacy. 

Sources say tensions between her and Mexico’s federal government arose when the president declined her advice to congratulate Joe Biden earlier.

Esteban Moctezuma, the new ambassador, was Mexico’s secretary of education. He had also worked in the '90s as secretary of State, secretary of Social Development and senator.

Meanwhile, the U.S. embassy in Mexico awaits for the new appointment. Christopher Landau has officially left his role as ambassador and departed from Mexico. 

Landau gained popularity in Mexico by showing interest in the Mexican culture, while tweeting in Spanish.