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A shadow named Rubén Rocha; chronicle of a Morena congress that sidelined him
🇲🇽 Mexico /Elections & Politics

A shadow named Rubén Rocha; chronicle of a Morena congress that sidelined him

From El Universal · (1h ago) Spanish Critical tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Rubén Rocha Moya, governor of Sinaloa, was notably absent from discussions at the Morena party's eighth National Extraordinary Congress.
  • Rocha Moya faces accusations from the US government of alleged ties to drug trafficking.
  • Despite his presence, there was no public display of support from attendees, and attempts to rally for him were unsuccessful.

At the eighth National Extraordinary Congress of Morena, a palpable shadow loomed over the proceedings, yet the name of Rubén Rocha Moya, the governor of Sinaloa, was conspicuously absent from any substantive discussion. Unlike other Morena figures embroiled in controversy who have been met with cries of 'You are not alone!', Rocha Moya found no such solidarity at the conclave.

While the governor's alleged ties to drug trafficking, as accused by the US government, cast a long shadow, the congress floor remained silent. A half-hearted attempt by a few delegates from Sinaloa to organize a cheer for Rocha Moya was quickly drowned out, failing to resonate with the broader assembly. This lack of public support underscores the party's delicate position, attempting to distance itself from figures facing serious international accusations.

Mexico will not accept interference.

— Enrique InzunzaSenator Enrique Inzunza's statement regarding US accusations, echoing a sentiment of national defense.

The atmosphere within the congress was undeniably strained, with leaders striving to deny any significant impact from the US allegations on the 'Fourth Transformation.' However, the underlying tension was evident. Some party members privately expressed the need for Morena to purge itself of 'scourges' and demonstrate a genuine commitment to combating corruption and illegal activities. In stark contrast, the congress was marked by strong endorsements for party president Claudia Sheinbaum and former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, emphasizing the importance of honoring López Obrador's legacy.

Following her acclamation as the new president of Morena, Ariadna Montiel issued a stern warning to aspiring candidates for the 2027 elections. She emphasized that integrity would weigh more heavily than popularity, stating that no one with an 'impeccable' track record could secure a candidacy, regardless of their poll performance. This directive signals a potential shift towards prioritizing ethical conduct within the party's selection processes. The swift departure of governors and parliamentary coordinators after the session, leaving only Montiel and the newly appointed president of the Electoral Commission, Citlalli Hernández, to engage with supporters, further highlighted the party's attempt to manage the narrative surrounding Rocha Moya's situation.

We are not going to bow our heads to defend the homeland; Mexicans will always hold their heads high.

— Claudia SheinbaumClaudia Sheinbaum's declaration of defiance in the face of foreign pressure.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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