**Sheinbaum Threatens Legal Action Against Newly Elected PAN President Over Alleged Illegal Enrichment**
On November 13, 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum, the head of Mexico’s Federal Executive Branch, signaled potential legal action against Jorge Romero Herrera, the newly elected President of the National Action Party (PAN). She accused him of illicit enrichment, implicating him as a leader of the so-called “real estate cartel,” a controversial political group in the Benito Juárez municipality.
During her morning press briefing from the National Palace’s Treasury Hall, Sheinbaum addressed the issue, stating, “Our responsibility isn’t the criminal part, but the public denunciation of how this PAN group in Benito Juárez enriched themselves through real estate corruption.” She referenced investigations previously conducted by the Mexico City Attorney General’s Office but reiterated that her administration would not interfere in any criminal investigations.
Sheinbaum highlighted that Romero Herrera was known for his role in the alleged real estate activities, with significant evidence coming from individuals who worked with him and even testimonies from businessmen. She critiqued the leadership renewal within PAN, suggesting it failed to represent genuine change due to its association with corrupt practices.
On November 11, 2024, she had remarked on Romero Herrera as a symbol of conservatism and voiced skepticism about PAN’s stance on social programs. She cited Felipe Calderón’s book, “Difficult Decisions,” which criticized Romero’s leadership during his time as Benito Juárez’s delegate. Calderón’s account describes Romero as embroiled in corruption scandals, supported by extortion claims from businesses.
During an interview with Radio Fórmula, Romero expressed willingness for dialogue with the Federal Government, yet warned that if they were ignored, the PAN would resort to public demonstrations. Shortly before, Romero had secured a significant victory in the PAN’s internal elections, earning nearly 95,000 votes, with a turnout marked by high abstention rates.
In response to the election results, contender Adriana Dávila Fernández questioned the process’s legitimacy. She criticized the election for lacking transparency and for its inequitable nature, advocating for a departure from corrupt practices within the party.
**Related Developments:**
While the controversy surrounding Jorge Romero Herrera unfolds, PAN faces internal scrutiny and external criticism for its perceived stagnation in leadership change. PAN’s historical figures and current representatives confront challenges in addressing these allegations, emphasizing the importance of transparency and ethical governance. Political analysts note that the issues within PAN reflect broader systemic corruption problems that affect public perception and voter engagement.
Additionally, PAN’s position on social programs under the current administration remains a contentious topic, illustrating divergent policy approaches that could influence party dynamics and election outcomes. These internal and external pressures highlight the significance of leadership accountability and the necessity for political parties to demonstrate renewed commitment to democratic principles in Mexico’s evolving political landscape.