Introduction to the Sistema Nacional Anticorrupción (SNA)
The Sistema Nacional Anticorrupción (SNA) is a Mexican anti-corruption system established by law in 2016. Its primary goal is to prevent, detect, and sanction corruption in public administration. The SNA comprises several institutions, including the Auditoría Superior de la Federación (ASF), the Tribunal Federal de Justicia Administrativa (TFJA), and the Fiscalía Especializada en Combate a la Corrupción (FECC). The SNA’s governing body, the Órgano de Gobierno, is responsible for overseeing these institutions.
The Recent Private Session of the Órgano de Gobierno
On Tuesday, 17th of the past month, a private session of the Órgano de Gobierno took place due to an agenda needing attention. Key attendees included Raquel Buenrostro, the Secretary, representing the SESNA; the heads of ASF, TFJA, and FECC; and Vania Pérez Mendoza, the President of the Coordinating Committee of the SNA.
Key Agenda Items
- Terna of candidates for the SNA’s Executive Secretary position
- Proposal to remove three high-ranking officials: heads of the Policy Public Unit, Digital National Platform Unit, and the General Directorate for Fostering a Culture of Integrity
The Absence and Denied Access to High-Ranking Officials
The representatives of the Consejo de la Judicatura Federal and SESNA directors were absent from the meeting. These officials learned that their removal would be subject to a vote and sent letters to Secretary Buenrostro and other governing body members, denouncing workplace harassment over the past three months.
Harassment Allegations
Paulina Vallejo Escalona, head of the Policy Public Unit, claimed she was informed informally and without legal grounds to resign. She described being a victim of defamation attempts targeting her persona and professional performance, along with false or calumnious information damaging her reputation and creating a hostile work environment.
Jorge Alejandro Acevedo Piña, Director of Fostering a Culture of Legality, expressed his concerns about discretionary decision-making and the divisive climate within the SESNA, contradicting established laws and the organization’s statute.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the SNA? The Sistema Nacional Anticorrupción (SNA) is a Mexican anti-corruption system established in 2016 to prevent, detect, and sanction corruption in public administration.
- Who are the key players mentioned? The key players include Raquel Buenrostro (Secretary of SESNA), representatives from ASF, TFJA, and FECC, Vania Pérez Mendoza (President of the Coordinating Committee of the SNA), and high-ranking officials from the Policy Public Unit, Digital National Platform Unit, and Fostering a Culture of Integrity.
- What were the main agenda items discussed? The main agenda items included a terna of candidates for the SNA’s Executive Secretary position and a proposal to remove three high-ranking officials.
- Why were the high-ranking officials absent from the meeting? The high-ranking officials were absent because their removal was to be put to a vote, and they denounced workplace harassment over the past three months.
Additional Context: Congressional Sessions and Societal Civil Organizations
In related news, the Mexican Congress will hold extraordinary sessions starting the following week to address pending matters, including 22 ongoing initiatives and seven more expected from the federal executive. Meanwhile, societal civil organizations have adhered to their schedule and filed an appeal against the validity declaration of Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation ministers’ elections and Tribunal Electoral magistrates’ elections. The PAN and Somos MX plan to request nullification of the elections once the INE completes magistrate circuit and district judge allocation.
