In an exclusive interview with journalist Mario Maldonado, former PRI president Enrique Peña Nieto has revealed that he chose to go into exile in Spain in 2019 to support his successor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Peña Nieto, the last president of the PRI party from 2012-2018, was influenced by the arrest of his lawyer and friend Juan Collado in July 2019. Collado was accused of organized crime, money laundering, and tax evasion, leading Peña Nieto to prioritize being a responsible former president over staying in Mexico.
Despite facing investigations into his assets and financial transactions, Peña Nieto has maintained transparency and defended the legitimacy of his wealth. He acknowledged López Obrador’s victory in the 2018 elections and expressed respect for his governance. The former president also discussed his relationships with other former Mexican presidents residing in Spain, highlighting his complex dynamics with Felipe Calderón and Carlos Salinas de Gortari.
Peña Nieto reflected on the political crises that tarnished his reputation during his presidency, including the Ayotzinapa case and the White House scandal. Despite facing challenges during his term, he completed it before leaving for Spain following a call with López Obrador where they expressed mutual respect for each other’s leadership. Today, Peña Nieto remains focused on maintaining a healthy distance from Mexican politics while continuing to monitor investigations surrounding his assets.