Introduction
The transition in Mexico’s Federal Audit Office (ASF) is fast approaching, with only three months left until economist David Colmenares Páramo of Oaxaca concludes his eight-year tenure without seeking reelection. This change will allow the Fourth Transformation to appoint the ASF’s head for the first time, completing the institutional adaptation focused on accountability and anti-corruption efforts.
Colmenares Páramo’s Legacy and Challenges
Colmenares Páramo faces challenges as his team has been weakened by internal scandals. His ability to defend his legacy is limited, with potential assistance from former federal spending auditor Emilio Barriga and his successor, Aureliano Hernández Palacios Cardiel. Meanwhile, Muna Dora Buchahin, the former general director of forensic auditing at ASF, has publicly criticized Colmenares Páramo’s management and the alleged capture of the institution by Oaxaca-based bureaucrats.
Potential New Leaders
The decision on the new ASF leader will be made by San Lázaro, processed by the Vigilance Commission led by Javier Octavio Herrera Borunda and President Ricardo Monreal. They are likely to support José Manuel del Río Virgen, a Veracruz politician, despite the veto from Veracruz’s governor Rocío Nahle. Del Río Virgen, a former emecista legislator and Senate functionary, was once under criminal proceedings but was exonerated. However, he faces criticism due to his connections with Dante Delgado and Ricardo Monreal Ávila.
María de la Luz Mijangos and María Amparo Casar
María de la Luz Mijangos’ case against María Amparo Casar has been redirected by the new FGR head, Ernestina Godoy. Internal factions of the Fourth Transformation believe public reaction to this matter may derail the campaign of the anti-corruption fiscal. Other prominent morenistas, like Vianey Fabiola Lozano Rangel, face criticism for their connections and alleged unethical practices.
Upcoming Conflicts
Two more morenistas, Leonesa and Ariadna Camacho Contreras, will soon be involved in a courtly dispute over the presidency of the Federal Tribunal of Justice Administration (TFJA) when Guillermo Valls Esponda steps down.
Secondary Effects
Impugnations
A popular consultation in Hidalgo regarding a circular economy park in Tula has been labeled a “institutional simulation” by twenty environmental organizations and local groups. The consultation is expected to legitimize a federal project within the development poles, without genuine public input.
Presumed Protected Individuals
Allegations persist about morenistas selling meetings, organizing events, bestowing recognitions, and lobbying in various federal departments for fees from local officials and budding entrepreneurs. The accused individual is Gerardo Horta Ocaña, a former Association of Mexican Municipalities director who joined the Senate during the LXV Legislature and allegedly orchestrated a scheme involving middle-level federal force officers in extortion and contraband under the supervision of then Senator Lucía Trasviña.
