Federico Reyes Heroles
Loyalty enjoys an aura of seriousness. Faithfulness is linked to love. I heard a general react: “…you are faithful,” she said, referring to the Armed Forces. The woman said it in a tone of praise. “No, ma’am, a soldier is loyal; we respond to principles, convictions. Dogs are faithful.” Silence at the table.
.
The news spread around the world. King Charles III stripped his brother of his titles and honors. From the Duke of York, he became Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. His relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and the long trail of scandals left no room for maneuver. Charles III was loyal to a code of ethics and to the institutions he represents.
In France, former President Sarkozy was sentenced to five years in prison for illegally receiving financing from Gaddafi—the application of the law above all other considerations. In Argentina, the Supreme Court sentenced former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner to six years of house arrest for her multiple and well-documented acts of corruption. The list of Latin American former presidents who have been prosecuted and convicted is long and varied: Carlos Andrés Pérez (Venezuela) imprisoned in 1994 for embezzlement; A. Fujimori (Peru) for corruption and human rights crimes; Menem (Argentina) for arms smuggling; Martinelli (Panama) for money laundering; J. O. Hernández (Honduras) for drug trafficking; Lula da Silva (Brazil) and, recently, Álvaro Uribe (Colombia), both convicted and imprisoned. Their sentences were overturned or replaced with house arrest. A. Alemán (Nicaragua) for money laundering, 20 years. His case was later dismissed. F. Flores (El Salvador) died in prison for embezzlement. M. Funes (El Salvador) received eight years in prison for corruption and money laundering. E. A. Saca (El Salvador) was convicted, imprisoned, and later acquitted of corruption charges. P. P. Kuczynski (Peru) is under house arrest for the Odebrecht case. M. Vizcarra (Peru) is under investigation for irregular payments; J. Áñez (Bolivia) was released after four years in prison. J. Bolsonaro (Brazil) 27 years for attempted coup d’état, a plot—yes, a plot—to assassinate the president-elect, the vice president, and a judge.
The list is extensive, and it will continue to grow. As depressing as the list may seem, it deserves another reading. In all these countries, the autonomous judiciaries, along with the judges, despite intense pressure, remained loyal to the institutions and their role in a state governed by the rule of law. There was loyalty, not fidelity. Before the world, with all its nuances, they showed a culture of law enforcement.
In an unprecedented move, the president of the new Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation submitted to his colleagues for “consultation” the possibility of revoking the rulings of his predecessors. The expression “res judicata” —a universal reference— which leads to the finality of a judgment that can no longer be appealed or modified, which avoids double jeopardy to prevent legal uncertainty and insecurity, a pillar of legal certainty, was submitted for “consultation.” The world’s most powerful CEOs point to the politicization of the judiciary in Mexico. The American Petroleum Institute accuses Mexico of violating the USMCA. So do petrochemical refiners. Today, Hollywood is calling for vigilance. As a country, we are not trustworthy; we do not honor our word.
Now, out of nowhere, there is an intention to mount a recall in the 2027 election. Sheinbaum is on the ballot so that she can campaign. Once again, they argue that it will save money. Will it? Following the publication of the photo of the attack on the president, insults fly. Claudia Sheimbaum demands an apology from Reforma. The newspaper apologizes. The next day, the newspaper undergoes an “extraordinary” inspection. Now they want a gag law for priests, pastors, nuns, and ministers of religion.
Investment and consumption are falling. Surprise? Not at all. Here, known harassers are defended. The corruption of the untouchables is pampered. Do they really believe that the world will accept the mockery of laws and agreements?
Loyalty is sinking Mexico.
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