Pemexgate

Pemexgate was a major political scandal in Mexico that came to light in 2000, involving the state-owned oil company, Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), and the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). The scandal centered on allegations that Pemex illegally diverted funds, estimated at approximately 200 million US dollars, to finance the presidential campaign of Francisco Labastida Ochoa, the PRI's candidate in the 2000 election.

The allegations surfaced after Labastida lost the election to Vicente Fox of the National Action Party (PAN), ending the PRI's over 70-year rule. An investigation was launched, implicating high-ranking Pemex officials and PRI members. The accusations included that Pemex funds were channeled through the oil workers' union (STPRM) and then funneled into the PRI campaign via various illicit schemes.

The Pemexgate scandal led to a number of legal proceedings and investigations. Some Pemex officials and union leaders were arrested and prosecuted, though many argued that the penalties were insufficient given the scale of the alleged corruption.

The political fallout from Pemexgate was significant. It further eroded public trust in the PRI, which was already weakened by accusations of corruption and authoritarianism during its long reign. The scandal also highlighted the lack of transparency and accountability within Pemex, a crucial sector of the Mexican economy. It contributed to calls for reforms within Pemex and greater oversight of campaign finance regulations in Mexico. The legacy of Pemexgate continues to shape discussions regarding corruption and transparency in Mexican politics.