Mexico City, February 17, 2025. Carlos Candelaria López, a deputy from Morena and former director of the Passport Office in the SRE, has been accused by former officials of demanding a "kickback" of 10% to 15% of their salaries to keep their jobs.
The accusations indicate that this corruption scheme was known to the then Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, who took no action to stop it.
Institutionalized Corruption and Influence Peddling
According to the complaints, Candelaria demanded illegal payments in exchange for keeping employees in their positions or granting them promotions within the agency.
Although several complaints were filed with the Internal Control Body of the SRE, the accusations were dismissed, citing the non-existence of any crime. This highlights the impunity with which certain officials operate within the government.
Additionally, Candelaria placed trusted individuals in key positions within the SRE. Among them were close associates and romantic partners who, according to witnesses, were responsible for collecting the "kickbacks" demanded from the staff.
Impunity and Legislative Immunity
In 2023, Candelaria resigned from his position in the SRE to join Marcelo Ebrard's team for the 2024 presidential elections. Despite the accusations against him, he secured a deputy position with Morena. He now enjoys legislative immunity, allowing him to evade any judicial process.
Morena's Honesty Discourse in Question
Corruption in Morena is not new, but this case highlights the protection its members receive. While the government boasts of its fight against corruption, accused officials remain untouchable.
The legislative immunity has become a shield to protect politicians accused of corruption. Instead of being held accountable, Candelaria enjoys immunity from justice.
Will there be consequences, or will Morena continue to cover for its own? Meanwhile, citizens continue to bear the cost of a political class that promised change and only delivered more impunity.
