Genaro García Luna and His Wife Face Million-Dollar Sentence
On Thursday, two significant events unfolded across different continents, united by their key players. In Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA, Judge Lisa Walsh handed down a multi-million dollar judgment against Genaro García Luna and his wife, Linda Cristina Pereyra. Simultaneously, in Oviedo, Asturias, Spain, Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, García Luna’s former boss, faced jeers from 200 protestors who displayed banners and chanted slogans against the Mexican ex-president and other neoliberal former leaders like José María Aznar of Spain, Andrés Pastrana of Colombia, and Mauricio Macri of Argentina.
Background on Genaro García Luna and Felipe Calderón
Genaro García Luna, a prominent Mexican law enforcement official during the administrations of presidents Felipe Calderón and Enrique Peña Nieto, was accused of corruption alongside his wife. The allegations stemmed from 30 contracts executed through institutions such as the Federal Police, CISEN, and the Organized Decentralized Prevention and Rehabilitation Service. These contracts were linked to at least 15 companies involved in the corrupt network of García Luna and Pereyra.
Pablo Gómez, the director of the Mexican government’s Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF), previously detailed that the lawsuit focused on properties and resources acquired through these contracts. The UIF played a crucial role in uncovering the corruption case.
Judge’s Ruling and Debt Revelation
Journalist Peniley Ramírez disclosed court documents revealing a final judgment against García Luna and his wife for failing to respond to the government’s accusations. Judge Walsh ruled that Mexico has the right to recover all sums paid to the accused and their accomplices, based on the facts presented in the lawsuit.
Ramírez’s revelation exposed the staggering debt owed to Mexican citizens by the corrupt couple: García Luna, $748 million, and his wife, $1.74 billion. This eye-opening figure highlights the extent of their alleged misconduct.
Felipe Calderón’s Controversial Speech
Meanwhile, in Oviedo, Asturias, Spain, an international forum titled “Politics and Development: Two Sides of the Same Coin” was convened by the far-right Fundación Libertad y Desarrollo. Former President Felipe Calderón, who served as García Luna’s boss, spoke at the event. Calderón claimed that authoritarian leaders like Hitler and Mussolini, as well as Latin American dictators, reached power through voting and intended to remain in control.
Baltasar Gracián’s words seem fitting for Calderón: “A sure sign of a damaged reputation is cultivating the infamy of others. Some would like to cover their stains with the soot of others; others console themselves with the consolation of fools.”
Local News in León, Guanajuato
During a weekend visit to León, Guanajuato, the author observed local politics and events. Friends who previously supported the PAN now complain about the Cártel Inmobiliario’s influence, panista bureaucracy, and blatant blue-colored traffic of favors.
The city’s new mayor, Alejandra Gutiérrez (PAN), inaugurated a 150-meter mural by eight local artists in Plaza Hidalgo, honoring Batman and his allies Robin, Catwoman, Nightwing, and Red Hood, along with villains such as Poison Ivy, the Joker, and Riddler.
The Municipality’s press release described the mural as part of the “Muraleón” program, aiming to beautify public spaces and promote local identity.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Genaro García Luna? A former Mexican law enforcement official who served under presidents Felipe Calderón and Enrique Peña Nieto.
- What are the allegations against García Luna and his wife? Corruption stemming from 30 contracts executed through various institutions, linked to at least 15 companies involved in a corrupt network.
- What happened to Felipe Calderón during the forum in Spain? He made controversial statements about authoritarian leaders, drawing criticism from attendees.
- What is the Muraleón program in León, Guanajuato? A city initiative to enhance public spaces’ aesthetics and promote local identity through murals.
