Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador criticized his predecessors for allowing imprisoned drug lord Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzman to wield significant power and influence, comparable to that of a country’s leader, in his year-end address on January 2, 2020. Lopez Obrador claimed that El Chapo’s arrest was delayed due to the involvement of high-ranking government officials in bribery and corruption. The president’s comments were made in a video message posted on Twitter, where he stated that “there was a time when Guzmán Loera had the same power or had the influence that the then-president had…Because there had been a conspiracy and that made it difficult to punish those who committed crimes.”
the corruption scandal
According to reports, former public safety secretary Genaro García Luna was bribed with millions of dollars by El Chapo, giving the latter’s illegal organization the freedom to operate. This corruption scandal has been well-documented, with US authorities investigating Luna’s case. Lopez Obrador has said that US authorities will be tapped to investigate further, but he has clarified that former President Felipe Calderon, who was the leader during the wake of the bribery scandal, will no longer be probed. As Lopez Obrador noted, the corruption was so rampant that it allowed El Chapo to evade several manhunts and escape twice from Mexican high-security prison facilities.
el chapo’s power and influence
El Chapo’s legendary power and influence proved to be factual, as he was able to build a vast drug empire and evade capture for many years. His ability to bribe high-ranking government officials, including García Luna, allowed him to operate with relative impunity. However, his luck eventually ran out, and he was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted on drug conspiracy charges in New York. As Lopez Obrador said, “that has already become history, gone to the garbage dump of history. That will never occur.” The president’s comments suggest that he is committed to rooting out corruption and ensuring that those who engage in it are held accountable.
the anti-corruption initiative
Lopez Obrador’s administration has made anti-corruption a top priority, with the president describing the initiative as a “point of pride.” The initiative has been welcomed by many, who see it as a necessary step towards addressing the corruption that has plagued Mexico for so long. According to Lopez Obrador, his administration has already made significant progress in curbing corruption, and he is committed to continuing this work. As he said in his year-end address, “we have already put an end to the complicity between crimes and government.” The president’s comments were echoed by other officials, including those at the US Department of Justice, who have praised Mexico’s efforts to address corruption.
challenges and accomplishments
Lopez Obrador’s administration has faced many challenges in its first year, including addressing the corruption scandal and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. However, the president has also reported several accomplishments, including the anti-corruption initiative and efforts to address the root causes of corruption. As Lopez Obrador said, “we have made significant progress, but we still have much work to do.” The president’s comments suggest that he is committed to continuing this work and to ensuring that Mexico becomes a more just and equitable society. According to a statement from the US Department of State, “the United States welcomes Mexico’s efforts to address corruption and looks forward to continuing to work with the Mexican government to address this issue.” The statement highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing corruption and ensuring that those who engage in it are held accountable.
The corruption scandal surrounding El Chapo and García Luna is a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and action to address corruption. As Lopez Obrador has said, corruption is a major obstacle to development and must be addressed if Mexico is to achieve its full potential. The president’s commitment to anti-corruption is welcome, and his administration’s efforts to address the root causes of corruption are an important step towards creating a more just and equitable society. With the support of international partners, including the United States, Mexico can make significant progress in addressing corruption and ensuring that those who engage in it are held accountable.
