Mexico's President Sheinbaum criticizes governor accused of narco ties

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has sharply criticized politicians who place their "personal interests" above those of the nation. Her comments came after a state governor, facing accusations of drug trafficking from the United States, unexpectedly returned to his official duties.

Rubén Rocha Moya, the governor of Sinaloa, who is wanted by a U.S. court for alleged ties to a drug cartel, announced on social media platform X that he was resuming his gubernatorial responsibilities. He had previously stepped down in May to allow for an investigation by Mexican prosecutors.

Sheinbaum, a close ally of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, posted on X that "no personal interest can ever be above the interests of the people" and of Mexico. She further stated, "Power without principles becomes arrogance; power without limits, abuse," though she did not name Rocha Moya directly. When questioned by journalists about the governor's return, Sheinbaum referred them to her social media post, stating she had only just learned of his decision through his tweet.

The ruling Morena party, to which both Sheinbaum and Rocha Moya belong, has distanced itself from the governor's decision. Other party leaders have also voiced criticism against Rocha Moya. The governor and nine other politicians, mostly from Sinaloa, are being sought by U.S. authorities, marking the first time U.S. justice has targeted active Mexican politicians. This situation unfolds as the U.S. pressures Mexico to intensify its anti-drug efforts, with former President Donald Trump frequently alleging that Mexican politicians are linked to drug cartels.