Scandal fans doubts about Mexican party

Mexico

For years, critics have charged that the Green in Mexico’s Green Ecologist Party (Pvem) has little to do with nature. Even as the Green Party turned in a strong performance in congressional races last year, it couldn’t shake accusations that it is more interested in money than conservation. (See “Mexican party gains seats, but not respect”—EcoAméricas, Aug. ’03.) Such criticism intensified dramatically last month with the airing of a videotape that appeared to show Green Party President Emilio González Martínez negotiating a US$2 million bribe in exchange for helping to obtain development permits. The ensuing scandal has prompted calls for the 31-year-old Mexican senator’s prosecution, and the reorganization—or outright dissolution—of his party. In the videotape, González is seen discussing... [Log in to read more]

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