From Exile to Reflection: Peña Nieto’s Unique Journey and Lessons Learned on Mexican Politics

Former PRI president Enrique Peña Nieto has shared his reasons for going into exile in Spain in 2019, and how it was a personal decision made to support his successor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. In a new book titled “Confessions from Exile: EPN” by journalist Mario Maldonado, Peña Nieto explained that the arrest of his lawyer and friend Juan Collado in July 2019 influenced his decision to leave Mexico.

The former president clarified that his exile was not permanent, and 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. He also shared insights into his interactions with López Obrador before and after the presidential transition, acknowledging the current government’s victory in the 2018 elections and expressing respect for their governance.

Peña Nieto also discussed his relationships with other former Mexican presidents residing in Spain, highlighting the 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.

Overall, Peña Nieto’s reflections shed light on the complexities of Mexican politics and how personal decisions are made when navigating challenging circumstances during both presidency and post-office life.