Corrupt image could break PRI’s political dominance

Outlook

While corruption allegations hit politicians of all parties, at all levels, instances involving state governors have generated mass media attention recently, presenting a reputational problem for Mexico’s ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in particular. At least ten governors have been officially investigated, arrested or have fled since 2010 -- most belonging to the PRI.

High-profile scandals such as that of Veracruz’s Javier Duarte (PRI, 2010-16) -- accused of having embezzled 2.4 billion dollars -- represent an embarrassment for their parties at the national level, and could affect the parties’ chances in the 2018 presidential election. With three traditional PRI strongholds electing governors on June 4, poor results would be a worrying sign for the government.

Impacts

• New transparency laws will provide little reassurance in the face of high-profile scandals.
• Parties unable to improve their reputations may turn to smear campaigns to discredit opponents.
• Arrests help ease impunity criticisms, but also raise the prospect of detainees revealing further politically damaging information.