Corruption to dominate Mexican 2018 election campaigns
Subject Corruption and the election. Significance Former Tamaulipas Governor Eugenio Hernandez Flores (2005-10) was arrested on October 6, on suspicion of corruption. He is the latest in a string of former governors -- mostly of the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) -- to be detained. Public indignation at corruption has increased since September 4, when Animal Politico published the findings of an investigation suggesting that in 2013 and 2014 the federal government embezzled more than 7.6 billion pesos (406 million dollars). Sensitivities about this issue have led to mounting concern regarding the potential misuse of funds donated in the aftermath of September's earthquakes. Impacts Congress’s focus on 2018 budget talks will hinder progress on implementing the National Anti-Corruption system. Public sector corruption will not be significantly reduced under the current administration. Reports of misuse of donations following the earthquakes could trigger public unrest.