Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and Andrés Manuel López Obrador
Claudia Sheinbaum, the current President of Mexico City, clarified the legal status of “Gasolinas del Bienestar,” a fuel distribution project initiated by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. This initiative has sparked questions regarding its relationship with Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) and whether it operates as a private company with public capital.
Sheinbaum’s Explanation
During her “Mañanera del Pueblo” press conference, Sheinbaum addressed concerns about “Gasolinas del Bienestar,” stating that it functions as a subsidiary of Pemex and that there is “nothing hidden” in its operations.
When questioned by the press about whether “Gasolinas del Bienestar” is a private company with public capital sending fuel to Cuba, Sheinbaum explained that subsidiaries are a long-standing legal entity within state-owned enterprises and do not imply the creation of private companies or illegal schemes.
Addressing Concerns about Cuba
Regarding concerns about Pemex subsidiaries’ contracts with Cuba, Sheinbaum clarified that no specific company was created solely for sending fuel to Cuba. She also mentioned that the fuel shipments are part of commercial contracts and humanitarian aid to the island.
“The information should be disclosed because some are contracts (with Cuba), and there has also been humanitarian aid to the island. This should be acknowledged, but there’s nothing to hide,” Sheinbaum stated from Palacio Nacional.
Benefits and Operations of “Gasolinas del Bienestar”
Sheinbaum explained that while her government aims to reduce the number of subsidiaries without operational sense, some cannot disappear as they directly benefit Pemex and the country.
“Gasolinas del Bienestar” operates in rural and indigenous areas of Mexico, ensuring gasoline and diesel supply while generating income for local communities. These subsidiaries have special characteristics, such as a unique labor regime for their workers, without making them private entities or subsidiaries, according to Sheinbaum.
Transparency and Future Explanations
Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of transparency and invited the Secretary of Energy and Pemex’s General Director to provide further details on how subsidiaries function and their legal status.
“We will invite the Secretary of Energy and Pemex’s General Director to explain this in more detail, but it is crucial that nothing be hidden, as transparency is fundamental in democracy,” Sheinbaum concluded.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the legal status of “Gasolinas del Bienestar”? It operates as a subsidiary of Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex).
- Are “Gasolinas del Bienestar” private companies with public capital? No, subsidiaries are a long-standing legal entity within state-owned enterprises.
- Is there a specific subsidiary sending fuel to Cuba? No, fuel shipments are part of commercial contracts and humanitarian aid.
- Why can’t some subsidiaries be eliminated? Some subsidiaries, like “Gasolinas del Bienestar,” provide direct benefits to Pemex and the country.
- What is the unique characteristic of “Gasolinas del Bienestar” subsidiaries? They have a unique labor regime for their workers.
- Will there be further explanations about subsidiaries’ operations? Yes, the Secretary of Energy and Pemex’s General Director will provide more details.
