Mexico’s Lozoya scandal to boost Morena mid-term hopes

Significance

On August 27 AMLO said some 70 people were implicated in corruption allegations surrounding former Pemex CEO Emilio Lozoya, including three former presidents and several prominent opposition party figures, identified by Lozoya as he cooperates with the authorities’ investigations. AMLO is presenting the case as emblematic of the corruption that characterised his predecessors’ administrations.

Impacts

• The scandal will distract attention from the government’s poor handling of the COVID-19 crisis, the recession and insecurity.
• The National Anti-Corruption System that became operational in 2017 will remain ineffective due to lack of funds and independence.
• The allegations may fuel AMLO’s criticism of the INE, with any decisions that go against Morena being attributed to fraud.