A ‘Ranchogate’ in Mexico?

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The publicity campaign in advance of the October release of a new memoir by former Mexican President Vicente Fox has caused a stir in Mexico and abroad. Outside Mexico, it’s the excerpts in which Fox comments on President Bush that have raised eyebrows. Recalling their meetings following their twin victories in the 2000 elections in Mexico and the U.S., Fox says Bush was ‘the cockiest guy I have ever met in my life’ and a ‘windshield cowboy’ intimidated by the very sight of a horse.

But in Mexico, it’s the magazine spread in Quien, a kind of Mexican People, that is causing a buzz.

Shot at Fox’s rural ‘rancho,’ called San Cristobal, in his home state of Guanajuato, the pictures have stunned Mexicans with their opulence. Where, Mexicans are asking, did Fox get the money to pay for such a mansion, including a new lake, swimming pool and all that luxurious furniture? Most Mexicans assume their elected leaders are enriching themselves while in office — but they don’t expect them to flaunt their newfound wealth. Lino Korrodi, a top fundraiser for the 2000 Fox presidential campaign, told the newspaper El Universal that before Fox became president, the San Cristobal ranch was a ‘rustic’ two-bedroom property with lots of old reupholstered furniture.

The expensive remodeling is proof of Fox’s ‘cynical’ use of public office to enrich himself during his six-year presidency, Korrodi said. In the same newspaper, columnist Ricardo Rocha agreed. He called the Quien photo spread, in which Fox appears with his wife, Marta, ‘a document that in itself would be proof enough to initiate an investigation into this excessive and offensive wealth.... It’s as if they’re rubbing our face in it.’

Some legislators are calling for a government investigation. We expect we’ll be hearing more about this new ‘Ranchogate’ in the weeks to come.

Posted by Héctor Tobar in Mexico City