## Ricardo Anaya Assumes Office as PAN Senator; Denies Any Arrest Warrant Claims
**By Carlos Álvarez Acevedo | August 29, 2024**
Ricardo Anaya Cortés, the former presidential candidate of the “Por México al Frente” coalition, comprising the National Action Party (PAN), the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), and the Citizen Movement (MC), was sworn in as a PAN senator on August 29, 2024, for the LXVI and LXVII legislatures of the Congress of the Union.
Anaya, addressing the media, stated emphatically, “I do not have an arrest warrant, and therefore, my political rights are intact. Here I am. I did not arrive here under any legal protection, but as any common citizen would. If I had any legal issues, I obviously would not be here.”
Before the inaugural Senate session, the former president of the National Executive Committee (CEN) of the PAN from August 21, 2015, to December 9, 2017, assured that he was not worried about political persecution. He pointed out that the Superior Chamber of the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (TEPJF) had confirmed that he had no arrest warrant, validating his candidacy for senator. “I have no fear of any persecution. As you know, there have been two rulings from the Superior Chamber. The last one came just last night. The Superior Chamber has made it absolutely clear that, contrary to what has been speculated, I never had an arrest warrant,” said Anaya.
In discussing the votes needed by Morena to secure a qualified majority in the Senate for constitutional reforms, Anaya, who also served as the Undersecretary of Tourism Planning under President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa from April 1, 2011, to January 31, 2012, assured that no PAN member would “yield or sell out.” “I believe the public can be certain that no one in PAN will yield or sell out, that we will stand firm, and we will be a responsible opposition,” he asserted.
However, Anaya clarified that the PAN would not oppose all reform proposals, acknowledging that the opposition’s mistake in the past was their blanket rejection of proposals. He mentioned that PAN would support policies beneficial to the country and oppose those harming Mexicans. “I think the opposition’s mistake was saying no to everything. Citizens don’t want that. They want a firm, brave opposition that doesn’t yield to abuses but also knows to support what is good for the country,” he said.
Anaya also criticized President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s proposed reform to the Federal Judicial System, arguing it was designed for governmental control. “Of course we need a profound judicial reform, but that doesn’t mean the medicine Morena is proposing will cure this disease. On the contrary, the reform, as proposed, will worsen the problem,” he added.
### Who is Ricardo Anaya Cortés?
Ricardo Anaya, born on February 25, 1979, in Naucalpan de Juárez, Estado de México, holds a Law degree from the Autonomous University of Querétaro (2002), a Master’s in Tax Law from the Universidad del Valle de México (UVM), and a Doctorate in Political and Social Sciences from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
In 2000, he ran unsuccessfully for local deputy for the Querétaro State Congress under the PAN banner. He joined PAN on September 18, 2000, and served as the private secretary to Querétaro’s Governor Francisco Garrido Patrón from 2003 to 2009. Later, he held various governmental and party positions, including local deputy, federal deputy, and interim and elected president of the PAN’s CEN.
In the July 1, 2018, presidential elections, Anaya was the candidate for the “Por México al Frente” coalition and finished second to Andrés Manuel López Obrador of the “Juntos haremos historia” coalition. Anaya secured 22.27% of the votes, translating to 12,610,120 votes.
On September 28, 2021, Anaya shared a video revealing inconsistencies in an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) on alleged bribes accepted during Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration. Anaya claimed President López Obrador aimed to imprison him for 30 years and self-exiled to the United States in July 2021.
On April 17, 2024, the Superior Chamber of the TEPJF confirmed Anaya’s Senate candidacy. Magistrate Janine Otálora Malassis stated there were no arrest warrants against Anaya, allowing his political rights to remain intact despite his self-exile.
## Secondary Article: Political Tensions and Legal Battles (Recent Developments)
### Mexico’s Judiciary Reform Sparks Controversy
Following the swearing-in of new senators, including Ricardo Anaya, Mexico faces heated debates over proposed judiciary reforms from President López Obrador. Critics, including Anaya and other opposition figures, argue that the reforms signify an attempt to centralize governmental power over the judiciary. Meanwhile, proponents insist the changes aim to streamline procedures and address corruption within the judicial system.
The discussions have sparked widespread public and political intrigue, hinting at potentially turbulent times ahead for Mexico’s political landscape. With the opposition promising to support beneficial policies while resisting harmful ones, the nation watches closely as legislative battles unfold.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
—
For more news and updates, visit TJGringo.com.