China News Service, Beijing, February 1. News from Mexico City: Mexican President Lopez spoke out on January 31, local time, denying claims that he accepted funds from drug organizations during his first presidential campaign in 2006, and condemned relevant reports.
"Mexican News Daily" stated that several U.S. and Western think tanks and news organizations recently published reports stating that U.S. anti-narcotics agents have discovered significant evidence showing that major drug trafficking organizations in Mexico provided approximately US$2 million in funding for Lopez's presidential election in 2006. A U.S. news website claimed that multiple U.S. and Mexican officials said in interviews that the drug trafficking organization gave the funds to Lopez's then-campaign aides in exchange for Lopez's promise to help the organization if he was elected.
Reuters reported that Lopez said at a regular morning press conference that day that all these reports were "completely false" and the relevant accusations had no evidence and were "vicious slander" against him. He claimed that these reports were manipulated by the US government and condemned the US government for "allowing these immoral practices."
The Associated Press said that Mexico will hold a presidential election in 2024. Currently, candidate Claudia Shinbaum of Lopez’s National Renewal Movement party is leading in the polls. The Associated Press quoted analysts as saying that reports on campaign finance issues may have a very serious impact on U.S.-Mexico relations. This is not only a direct attack on Lopez himself, but will also be regarded by Lopez as an impact on the presidential election.
Mexico's "Financier" reported that Mexican opposition party coalition presidential candidate Xochitel Galvez said that there is evidence that the National Ennahda Party is colluding with criminal organizations, and Lopez himself must take action to "clear his name."
The Mexican constitution stipulates that any person can only hold the office of president once and cannot be re-elected. Since 1934, presidential elections have been held every six years. Lopez ran for president three times and was finally elected in 2018. The Associated Press stated that after being elected, Lopez mainly adopted a policy of avoiding direct conflict in dealing with criminal organizations. (over)