Background on Felipe Calderón and Genaro García Luna
In the past, Felipe Calderón faced criticism for appointing Genaro García Luna as his Secretary of Security, despite warnings linking him to organized crime. Today, the ruling party in Tabasco, led by Adán Augusto López, finds itself in a similar predicament due to the case of Hernán Bermúdez, an ex-security secretary now a fugitive sought by Interpol.
The Bermúdez Case: A Growing Controversy
Hernán Bermúdez, appointed by López in December 2019, was flagged as a person of interest in federal intelligence databases by security consultants hired by López himself. Instead of investigating further, López dismissed the consultants and confirmed Bermúdez’s appointment. The 2022 Guacamaya Leaks revealed Bermúdez’s connection to the “La Barredora” group, linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Despite this, Bermúdez remained in his position until a crime wave in Tabasco forced his resignation in January 2024. He left the country a year later and now faces an arrest warrant and a red notice from Interpol.
The Relationship Between López and Bermúdez
Beyond a professional relationship, López and Bermúdez have been friends for over 30 years, having met during the priista interim government of Manuel Gurría in Tabasco in the 1990s. They shared political and personal loyalties, making Bermúdez’s appointment seem more like a gesture of trust between friends rather than an informed decision.
Morena’s Support for López
Morena, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, maintains there is no formal investigation against López and insists there are no direct links between him and Bermúdez’s illicit activities. However, this stance contrasts with the treatment of Calderón, who, like López, hasn’t been directly implicated in García Luna’s crimes. Then, mere suspicion or proximity led to Calderón’s political downfall. Critics on social media have rightly pointed out this double standard: if García Luna was “Calderón’s man,” then Bermúdez is “López’s man.”
Implications for López and Morena
This scandal comes at an inopportune time for López, the current Morena coordinator in the Senate. Although no formal charges have been brought against him, a political and media trial has already begun. His image as an efficient and disciplined operator is now linked to a failed security management and an inconvenient friendship.
Morena’s reputation takes another hit as it insists on presenting itself as distinct from other parties while shielding its loyalists, even when warning signs are evident. In Tabasco, perceptions of collusion and insecurity may benefit the opposition. Nationally, Morena’s anti-corruption narrative regains doubt.
Morena’s Dilemma: Protecting López or Upholding Anti-Corruption Discourse
Morena faces an uncomfortable decision: either protect López despite ignored signals or substantiate its anti-corruption discourse with facts. Choosing the former may lead to being labeled “the Calderón of Tabasco,” threatening López’s political future.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the controversy about? The ruling party in Tabasco, led by Adán Augusto López, faces scrutiny due to the case of Hernán Bermúdez, a former security secretary now a fugitive sought by Interpol.
- Who is Hernán Bermúdez? Bermúdez was appointed by López in December 2019, despite warnings from security consultants about his potential links to criminal organizations. He remained in the position until a crime wave forced his resignation and later fled the country.
- Why is this a problem for López and Morena? This scandal tarnishes López’s image as an efficient operator and links him to failed security management. Morena’s reputation for anti-corruption takes another hit, potentially benefiting the opposition in Tabasco and casting doubt on its national narrative.
- What is Morena’s stance? Morena maintains there is no formal investigation against López and insists on no direct links between him and Bermúdez’s illicit activities, contrasting with the treatment of Calderón.
