Anti-Corruption In Mexico: Reasons For Cautious Optimism

Mexico's anti-corruption enforcement regime, the National Anti-Corruption System (NAS), was adopted by Mexico's Congress on July 6, 2016, and approved by President Peña Nieto on July 18, 2016.¹ While approval of the NAS marked an important step forward in Mexico's reform efforts, since that time the NAS has suffered a series of setbacks and delays, as the Peña Nieto government has stalled implementation of many key aspects of the NAS.² Nevertheless, as the recent resignation of Mexico's attorney general, Raúl Cervantes, demonstrates, there is reason to be cautiously optimistic. A longtime member of the ruling PRI party and a close ally of President Peña Nieto, Cervantes cited the ongoing debate in Mexico surrounding the appointment of an independent anti-corruption prosecutor as the reason for stepping down.