Mexicans’ worries about corruption have peaked under Claudia Sheinbaum’s presidency, recent surveys indicate, and growing scandals involving senior officials, including allegations from the United States against a state governor, have further heightened public unease.
Corruption Surfaces as an Increasing National Concern
A May survey conducted by LatAm Pulse for Bloomberg News indicated that 62% of respondents considered corruption to be Mexico’s most pressing issue, marking an increase of three points since April and sixteen since February, with this heightened alarm tied to a string of high-profile scandals, including a fuel-smuggling operation involving Navy officers, customs staff, and corporate leaders, as well as a separate case focused on Sinaloa’s Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, who faces U.S. accusations of collaborating with drug cartels.
Despite these scandals, Sheinbaum’s approval rating showed signs of recovery, rising to 53% in May from a previous low. Her disapproval rating dropped 5 points to 38%. Political analysts attribute her rebound to perceptions that she is not directly implicated in these cases, despite them occurring under her administration.
Escalating scrutiny continues to build around Morena and Sheinbaum’s leadership
Although Morena, Sheinbaum’s political party, continues to be viewed by many as the main force confronting corruption, 54% of Mexicans contend that the party grapples with its own ethical issues; this view has heightened the spotlight on Sheinbaum, especially since one of the implicated officials, Rocha Moya, belongs to Morena, and as the U.S. presses for stricter anti-cartel measures, Sheinbaum must navigate both international pressure and domestic criticism to preserve her party’s credibility.
Public Opinions on Security and U.S. Involvement
The survey also highlights mixed feelings about American intervention in Mexico’s fight against organized crime. While 69% of Mexicans support U.S. cooperation limited to intelligence sharing, opinions are divided over direct involvement: 47% agree with U.S. personnel assisting in security operations, while 48% oppose the idea.
Sheinbaum’s handling of U.S.-Mexico security relations received moderate approval, with 46% describing her performance as good, compared to 32% who rated it poorly. Recent reports of alleged covert CIA operations to dismantle cartels have fueled debates about sovereignty and the extent of U.S. involvement.
Conclusion
As corruption and security anxieties shape the national conversation, Claudia Sheinbaum confronts growing difficulties in navigating foreign demands, domestic reform hopes, and the standing of her administration, with the upcoming months poised to gauge her capacity to provide effective responses and preserve public confidence as these matters continue under heavy scrutiny.
Source: Content supplied by Bloomberg Línea – https://www.bloomberglinea.com/latinoamerica/mexico/preocupaciones-por-corrupcion-en-mexico-se-disparan-con-sheinbaum/
