Mexican President Backs Ana Gabriela Guevara Amidst Corruption Allegations

Mexican President Backs Ana Gabriela Guevara Amidst Corruption Allegations

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has publicly expressed his support for Ana Gabriela Guevara, the head of the National Commission of Physical Culture and Sport (Conade), amidst corruption allegations. Guevara, a former Olympic athlete, is accused of mismanaging and diverting public funds amounting to approximately 150 million pesos. The claims were formalized on August 28, following a forensic audit triggered by reports of misconduct.

Unwavering Presidential Support

Despite these severe allegations, President Obrador has underscored his faith in Guevara’s integrity, describing her as a commendable public servant and a dedicated promoter of sport. He emphasized the necessity for evidence to substantiate the claims, urging the General Prosecutor’s Office to conduct thorough investigations to ascertain Guevara’s culpability.

President Obrador stated, “There are many complaints, and it must be shown that they are supported. It is not about reporting for the sake of reporting, and I support Ana Guevara. I consider her a good public servant, promoter of sports.” This public endorsement comes at a time when Guevara’s leadership is under intense scrutiny, with the corruption allegations posing a significant challenge to her role at the helm of Conade.

The Accusations Against Guevara

The allegations against Guevara relate to the misuse and misdirection of public funds during her tenure as head of Conade. A forensic audit was initiated in response to reports of financial irregularities, leading to formal charges being lodged on August 28. The audit revealed possible damages to the treasury amounting to 377 million pesos in the exercise of public spending of the said agency, a figure significantly higher than initially suspected.

The legal complaint filed by the Superior Audit of the Federation (ASF) is the latest development in a saga that has raised serious questions about governance and accountability within one of Mexico’s most prominent public bodies. The ASF’s findings have now been turned over to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office for further investigation.

Commitment to Athletes and the Olympics

Amid the controversy, President Obrador has assured that support for athletes will remain a priority, with a budget allocated for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. This commitment to sporting excellence is a key pillar of Guevara’s leadership at Conade, with the President’s support signifying a continuation of this policy despite the ongoing investigation.

President Obrador’s backing of Guevara comes at a critical time for Conade, with the corruption allegations posing a severe test to its leadership and credibility. The outcome of the General Prosecutor’s investigation will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of the Commission, and for Guevara’s position at its helm.