Introduction
When Andrés Manuel Obrador, the former president, took office and the issue of fuel theft in Mexico’s pipeline network became public, he accused General León Eduardo Trauwitz, former security chief of Pemex during Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration, of sabotaging a complex and modern monitoring system designed to ensure the continuous flow of gasoline, diesel, and gas.
General León Eduardo Trauwitz: Background and Relevance
General León Eduardo Trauwitz served as the head of security at Pemex, Mexico’s state-owned petroleum company, during Enrique Peña Nieto’s six-year term (2012-2018). His role was crucial in maintaining the security and integrity of Mexico’s extensive oil and gas infrastructure. Following Obrador’s accusations, Trauwitz was detained in Canada, and his extradition to Mexico has been delayed due to curious legal omissions by the Mexican government.
The Monitoring System: Its Purpose and Current Status
The sophisticated monitoring system, allegedly sabotaged by Trauwitz, was intended to ensure the uninterrupted flow of fuel across Mexico’s pipeline network. With recent announcements from Pemex regarding stricter oversight of fuel distribution, it is essential to address the reasons behind not utilizing this monitoring system or its current status.
Security Cooperation with the United States
U.S.-Mexico Security Agreement Under Review
It is positive news that security officials are traveling to Washington to follow up on the security understanding reached between Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during their meeting on September 4.
The agreement includes monthly follow-up reviews to assess progress and make necessary adjustments, aiming to prevent misinterpretations that could draw attention from President Trump’s hardline advisors.
Maintaining dialogue and avoiding confrontations with the influential U.S. Secretary of State benefits both Rubio and Mexico.
Passive Resistance Within Morena: A Delicate Balance
In recent weeks, electoral realities have highlighted differences among Morena factions, with some exhibiting passive resistance to the policies of Gran Palacio (Mexico City’s informal name for the presidential palace).
These differences reflect a pragmatic reallocation of forces within the ruling party, causing concern among those whose political futures depend on Morena maintaining its legislative majority and control of state governments in 2027.
This author reaffirms the belief that if President Sheinbaum effectively addresses this passive resistance, it could create a win-win situation for all parties involved.
Miscellaneous Developments
Citi Bank Announcement and Banamex Acquisition
Citi Bank announced that Fernando Chico Pardo has acquired 25% of Banamex’s shares, signaling a shift in Mexico’s banking landscape. Major banks have started closing suspicious money laundering accounts before any U.S. Treasury Department intervention.
INE’s Stance on Election Desistance
The National Electoral Institute (INE), led by Guadalupe Taddei, is reluctant to accept Sergio Gutiérrez Luna’s desistance from the election process, insisting on pursuing a dangerous precedent where electoral council members face repercussions for voting against the majority.
