In 2019, former PRI president Enrique Peña Nieto made the difficult decision to go into exile in Spain. His reason was to support his successor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, in governing the country without causing distraction or controversy. Peña Nieto’s decision 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 the country.
In a book titled “Confessions from Exile: EPN” by journalist Mario Maldonado, Peña Nieto expressed his commitment to supporting the current government from a distance. He clarified that his exile in Spain was not permanent and that he still plans to return to Mexico at some point. Despite facing investigations into his assets and financial transactions, Peña Nieto has maintained transparency and defended the legitimacy of his wealth.
Peña Nieto also shared insights into his interactions with López Obrador before and after the presidential transition. He acknowledged López Obrador’s victory in the 2018 elections and expressed respect for his governance. The former president discussed his relationships with other former Mexican presidents residing in Spain, highlighting his complex dynamics with Felipe Calderón and Carlos Salinas de Gortari.
Reflecting on his time in office, Peña Nieto addressed the political crises that tarnished his reputation, including the Ayotzinapa case and the White House scandal. Despite facing challenges during his presidency, he completed his term and left the country following a call with López Obrador, where they expressed mutual respect for each other’s leadership. Peña Nieto remains focused on maintaining a healthy distance from Mexican politics while continuing to monitor the investigations surrounding his assets.
Overall, Peña Nieto’s reflections shed light on the complexities of Mexican politics and the personal decisions he made to navigate challenging circumstances during his presidency and post-office.