Background on Enrique Peña Nieto and His Relevance
Enrique Peña Nieto served as the President of Mexico from 2012 to 2018. During his tenure, he oversaw significant changes in Mexico’s political and economic landscape. His administration was marked by controversial policies, including the energy sector reform and the fight against drug cartels. Peña Nieto’s legacy remains a topic of debate, with critics pointing to corruption allegations and the disappearance of 43 student teachers in 2014 as low points during his presidency.
The Israeli Businessmen and Their Allegations
Avishai Neriah and Uri Ansbacher, two Israeli businessmen associated with Group KBH—the provider of the Pegasus spyware—are embroiled in a legal dispute. The conflict revolves around their investment in Mexico, allegedly intended for various purposes such as software development related to security. The Marker, an Israeli publication, reported on this ongoing legal battle.
Peña Nieto’s Response to the Allegations
In a telephone interview with Ciro Gómez Leyva for Radio Fórmula from Spain, the former president vehemently denied receiving any bribes. He described the allegations as “absolutely false” and lamented the “dolous insinuation” that he might have accepted such payments.
Peña Nieto clarified that the dispute between the two businessmen pertains to their investment in Mexico for different projects, not any direct payments to him. He emphasized that the allegations are “completely groundless” and serve only to cast doubt on his integrity.
Addressing Calls for Investigation
When questioned about Artículo 19’s plan to request the Mexican Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) to investigate these claims, Peña Nieto responded with defiance. He stated that he had served his country openly and honestly as president, striving to do his best for Mexico.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the allegations against Peña Nieto? Israeli businessmen Avishai Neriah and Uri Ansbacher accused Peña Nieto of accepting a $25 million bribe in exchange for favorable treatment in their business dealings with the Mexican government.
- How did Peña Nieto respond to these allegations? The former president denied the claims, calling them “absolutely false” and expressing disappointment at the “dolous insinuation” aimed at questioning his integrity.
- What is the nature of the dispute between Neriah and Ansbacher? The conflict stems from their investment in Mexico for various projects, with no direct evidence linking Peña Nieto to accepting bribes.
- What is Artículo 19’s role in this situation? Artículo 19, a Mexican civil organization, plans to request an investigation by the FGR into Peña Nieto’s alleged involvement in accepting bribes.
- How did Peña Nieto react to calls for investigation? He asserted his innocence and defended his presidency, stating that he had served Mexico openly and honestly.
