Sex, Politics, And A Headache For Mexico's PRI
The story by MVS News, one of Mexico's most influential radio programmes, is colourful and the allegations it makes are potentially very sordid. Mr Gutiérrez, as heavy-set as an ox, comes from a family that made a fortune on Mexico City's rubbish tips. His murdered father (a former PRI stalwart) was known as the "King of Rubbish". Heading the PRI in Mexico City is the highest office he has held, although the party has not ruled there since 1997. His office issued a statement saying the MVS report was "deceitful, ill-intentioned and slanderous" and that Mr Gutiérrez himself wanted an investigation.
According to MVS, the women at the heart of its report are known as edecanes, or hostesses. In their short skirts and high heels, they are a common feature of political and business gatherings in Mexico. Mostly their job is to hand out brochures or accompany people to their seats.
MVS said that after a tip-off, a female reporter answered an advertisement for a hostess job in Mr Gutiérrez's office at PRI headquarters in Mexico City. It aired what it said were secretly taped recordings in which a woman it claims worked for Mr Gutiérrez can be heard telling the undercover reporter the job requires her to provide sex--"oral or vaginal"--when her boss asks for it, as well as more normal hostess duties. The tape recordings include discussion of salary--11,000 pesos ($850) a month, tax-free, plus tips--and the reporter is told she will be on the PRI's payroll. "It's absolute discretion, because obviously he protects his image," the female voice tells the reporter.
Speaking on air to MVS News, Mr Gutiérrez described the report as "false as all falseness" and said there were no hostesses on the PRI payroll. He was not asked whether the woman on the tape was his employee.
The scandal immediately lit up the airwaves and social-media sites. It puts the PRI in an awkward spot. The party, which ruled Mexico for much of the 20th century, often according to rules it set for itself, returned to power nationwide in 2012 with the election of President Enrique Peña Nieto. It is keen to put its sleazy past behind it. But given the murky relationship between politics and justice in Mexico, investigations often lack credibility. People believe what they choose.
Click here to subscribe to The Economist
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- Catan adds climate change to the latest edition of the world-famous board game
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- JNK India IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more
- Indian Army unveils selfie point at Hombotingla Pass ahead of 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas
- JNK India IPO allotment date
- JioCinema New Plans
- Realme Narzo 70 Launched
- Apple Let Loose event
- Elon Musk Apology
- RIL cash flows
- Charlie Munger
- Feedbank IPO allotment
- Tata IPO allotment
- Most generous retirement plans
- Broadcom lays off
- Cibil Score vs Cibil Report
- Birla and Bajaj in top Richest
- Nestle Sept 2023 report
- India Equity Market