Skip to main content
France - Mexico

Year of Mexico in France called off

France will be unable to go forward with its planned cultural Year of Mexico in France without the support of the Mexican government, the French Institute said Tuesday. Mexico pulled out of the event over a diplomatic row, after France said it would dedicate its events to a French woman convicted of 60 years in prison in Mexico for kidnapping.

Reuters/Charles Platiau
Advertising

The Mexican government over the weekend said that the “conditions were not in place” for it to participate in the Year of Mexico, given that France continues to make a link with Florence Cassez, who maintains her innocence, and has appealed to the Mexican Supreme Court.

Mexico last month said it would pull out of the Year of Mexico after French President Nicolas Sarkozy called on organisers to evoke Cassez at the start of each event. The French Foreign Ministry said Tuesday it was unable to come to a compromise.

France cannot put on the events on its own, explained that statement from the French Institute, which is organising the cultural events for the French Foreign Ministry, because it up to the guest country to cover transport expenses for people and works of art.

The French Institute says it will help venues and artists of the 360 events planned for the Year of Mexico in France that will have to be cancelled or reprogrammed.

Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning

Keep up to date with international news by downloading the RFI app

Share :
Page not found

The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore.