Mexican Pres. asks country for forgiveness for corruption scandal

World Today

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is asking his country for forgiveness, more than a year and a half after a corruption scandal.

The president is now promoting a sweeping law aimed at fighting government corruption.

CCTV America’s Franc Contreras reports from Mexico City.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto’s plea for forgiveness came as a surprise to most everyone across the world’s largest Spanish-speaking nation.

The so-called Casa Blanca scandal erupted 18 months ago. The President purchased a $7 million mansion for his wife from a contract company with direct ties to the Mexican government.

It became one of the most embarrassing moments in the Nieto presidency. The Mexican president said he did not break the law, but critics quickly demanded the passage of anti-corruption laws aimed squarely at politicians.

Facing public outrage, Mexico’s President announced a plan on Monday that requires elected officials to declare their wealth and taxes. They must also make public any potential conflicts of interest.

Recent polls show that corruption among local, state, and federal police tops the list of concerns among Mexicans.

Political analyst Laura Carlsen said many Mexicans view the president’s anti-corruption announcement as another attempt to improve negative perceptions about his administration.

“They are more concerned about their international image because it matters in terms of investment and other things, they have to play this game where they are still working with this repression, impunity and violation of human rights as well as huge levels of corruption,” she said.

Observers also said Nieto’s historic reforms – especially when it comes to energy and education will be difficult to implement, while the President tries to convince the public that he’s serious about government corruption.