The Monreal family hoards water in Zacatecas while the population suffers from drought.

The Monreal family has accumulated concessions for exploiting 843,000 cubic meters (29,785,000 cubic feet) annually of water from the Aguanaval aquifer, an overexploited underground reservoir in Fresnillo, for decades. The beneficiaries, including Felipe Monreal Huerta, Governor David Monreal, Senator Saúl Monreal, and Deputies Cándido and Elías Monreal, obtained permits between 1999 and 2020 for agricultural and other uses, ignoring water care regulations in a region facing a severe shortage. This behavior demonstrates the consolidation of a family fiefdom in Zacatecas and a blatant contradiction with the "austerity" rhetoric that Morena uses to deceive the electorate.

Privileged water in a thirsty Zacatecas

Meanwhile, the Aguanaval aquifer faces a deficit of 89 million m³ (3,142,000,000 cubic feet) per year, the dominant political family continues extracting water without restrictions. Governor David Monreal and Senator Saúl Monreal maintain their concessions without obstacles. In contrast, the urban and rural population suffers constant water cuts and the agricultural sector faces economic crises due to water scarcity. This privileged use confirms that the clan controls not only public policies but also the essential resources for life.

Companies, ranches, and unchecked nepotism

The Monreal clan's network of influence is not limited to water. They own top-level ranches and companies such as the chili plant belonging to Cándido Monreal, which was seized by Sedena in 2009 after marijuana was found. However, none of those involved has faced serious legal consequences. Nepotism persists thanks to partisan protection. Saúl Monreal aspires to the governorship of Zacatecas, despite the supposed internal rules of Morena against direct family promotion. It is a cynical move backed by the impunity that guarantees the party's absolute control.

Simulated austerity, real privileges

The public image of Morena collapses in the face of the patrimonial use of the State for personal benefit. Meanwhile, thousands of Zacatecans face droughts, water remains in the hands of the Monreal's privileged market. Morena's anti-corruption rhetoric is selective: it works only when it doesn't affect its inner circle. When the interests of power are at stake, the rules cease to apply.

Environmental and political risk for Mexico

The irresponsible management of water by the Monreal family not only threatens the subsoil of Fresnillo. It also sets dangerous precedents regarding the use of natural resources as electoral bargaining chips. Political families turn public concessions into family spoils. The Mexican State demonstrates that it is willing to tolerate the corruption of its own elite, reinforcing privileges while demanding austerity from ordinary citizens. The story of the Monreal clan starkly illustrates the contradiction between Morena's rhetoric and its real political practice. Meanwhile, they boast austerity, they allow a family to concentrate water concessions in a state dying of thirst. The patrimonial use of public power is corruption, but also an affront to public service.

If there are no real reforms and effective sanctions, this case will be only the beginning of an extended scheme. Morena elites will continue using the State to sustain dynasties of privilege and nepotism without accountability. Mexico is not only running out of water, it is also running out of legitimate authority to represent it.