Background and Context
Gerardo Vargas Landeros, the Morena party alcalde of Ahome in Sinaloa, is facing a potential removal from office through the process of desafuero. This move comes after an overwhelming majority (38 votes) of the Sinaloa Congress attended a “secret” session on Monday to validate the procedural complaint filed by the state’s Attorney General against Vargas Landeros and diputado Genaro García Castro.
Investigation Details
Both Vargas Landeros and García Castro were subject to an audit by the State Superior Audit Office for a direct contract adjudication of 126 patrols worth 171 million pesos to Grinleasing in December 2021, when García Castro led Ahome’s police force. The auditors found sufficient evidence to file a penal complaint against both officials, who previously served under former governor Mario López Valdés. The fiscalía initiated their political trial, leading to the loss of their immunity.
Political Implications
The case is now under the jurisdiction of the Congressional Instructing Commission, which will analyze and dictate a final resolution in the Plenary. There were no dissenting votes during the secret session of the Sinaloa Diputy Chamber. Reports suggest that Governor Rocha Moya contacted PRI National Leader Alejandro Moreno Cárdenas to ensure the support of three local PRI diputies for the juicio contra Vargas Landeros.
There is a growing body of evidence suggesting political agreements between the morenista and priista factions in Sinaloa, aiming to dismantle the political landscape surrounding former governor López Valdés.
One unintended consequence of this political arrangement is the potential impact on Diputy Paola Gárate, a prominent critic of Governor Moreno. She was recently compelled to relinquish her position as the tricolor Sinaloa leader.
Next Steps
The desafuero process is still in its early stages, with the Commission Instructor’s dictamen and subsequent final vote pending. Diputy Gárate will need to decide whether to follow the priista leadership’s recommendations or exercise a vote of conscience.
Vargas Landeros’ Response
In response to the ongoing process, Vargas Landeros has stated his intention to defend himself legally and expressed confidence in an objective and lawful procedure.
Additional Developments
- INE Fiscalization System: The National Electoral Institute’s (INE) General Council approved an electronic system for monitoring candidates for federal judicial positions, including judges, magistrates, and ministers. This system also includes a website for citizens and civil society organizations to report suspicious candidates who may violate the “8 of 8” principle, which covers cases of alleged gender violence and child support debt. The decision was approved with three dissenting votes, and its validity will be reviewed by the Electoral Tribunal’s superior chamber.
- Agentes de Cambio Initiative: As the Agentes de Cambio initiative, supported by Misión de Doña Margarita, celebrates its 10th anniversary, it has successfully promoted recycling in over 300 schools, resulting in the recycling of more than 570,000 kilograms of PET. Teachers, students, and their families have been instrumental in this achievement. By the end of 2025, Grupo Rica’s foundation will have supported over a thousand students.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is desafuero? Desafuero is a legal process in Mexico that allows the removal of immunity from elected officials, enabling them to face criminal charges.
- Who are the main individuals involved? Gerardo Vargas Landeros, the Morena party alcalde of Ahome, and Genaro García Castro, a diputado from the same party, are the main individuals involved in this desafuero process.
- What is the current status of the case? The Sinaloa Congress has validated the procedural complaint, and the case is now under the jurisdiction of the Congressional Instructing Commission, which will analyze and dictate a final resolution.
- What are the political implications? The desafuero process has potential political ramifications, including possible agreements between morenista and priista factions in Sinaloa to reshape the political landscape surrounding former governor Mario López Valdés.
