PLAYA DEL CARMEN.— Days before the conclusion of the six-year term of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the Responsibilities Unit of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) ordered to classify as confidential information any procedure established against Manuel Bartlett Díaz, former head of the company productive of the state, publishes the Proceso portal.
Although former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced that his government would investigate Bartlett following the Proceso investigation titled “In the shadow of the Mayan Train, the secret paradise of the Bartletts (published in the August monthly edition),” which revealed the existence of properties worth millions in Cancun and the Riviera Maya in the name of his direct relatives (partner and son), it was found that there is no process initiated in this regard.
Manuel Bartlett was not ratified by President Claudia Sheinbaum as head of the CFE. In her place, Emilia Esther Calleja Alor was appointed as the new director of the parastatal company.
In follow-up to the published report, this medium made requests through the National Transparency Platform about the legal situation of the now former 4T official.
In the case of the request for information before the CFE Responsibilities Unit, the agency responded that there are no sanctions or procedures established against Bartlett Díaz. But the response included something more: said unit requested the Transparency Committee of the Mexican government company to classify any information of this type as confidential.
In the same sense, the Ministry of Public Administration responded in relation to some administrative procedure established against Bartlett Díaz:
“There was no history of a procedure for administrative responsibilities that had been established against the person mentioned. (…) In the name of Manuel Bartlett Díaz, no records of administrative sanctions were found” (sic), reads the letter with ending 930/2024, issued by the General Coordination of Combating Impunity Substantiating and Resolving Unit, of the Secretariat of Public Function.
On the other hand, a few days after the publication of the report, a citizen asked the Attorney General’s Office to know if it had any investigation folder or was investigating Bartlett or his relatives.
Through the letter FGR/UETAG/003920/2024, the FGR responded in the negative, indicating that it is legally unable to issue information about any complaint filed against Bartlett Díaz or his family.
Instruction ignored
On August 6, in his morning conference, former President López Obrador responded to the Proceso report and requested an investigation to determine if there is a conflict of interest as a public servant due to the large tracts of land that his relatives, directly or through companies, constituted by them, they have acquired in the vicinity of the Mayan Train in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Cancún.
“If there is corruption, like all citizens, we have the obligation to report it and we must go to the Prosecutor’s Office and file a complaint (…) ask the Prosecutor’s Office to conduct an investigation to see if there is a conflict of interest between the lawyer’s family. Bartlett and him,” López Obrador told the Proceso reporter on August 6.
AMLO’s response
The question was reiterated to the former president if, with the elements provided by this publishing house, he would file a complaint, to which he responded: “yes, let the Prosecutor’s Office do it.”
In the report In the shadow of the Mayan Train, the secret paradise of the Bartletts, the acquisition of four properties in the name of relatives of the former director of the CFE was exhibited.
According to queries carried out in the Public Registry of Property and Commerce, there are more than 160 hectares of land; one of them awarded at zero pesos, while others at prices much lower than the commercial cost recorded in the Riviera Maya and Cancun.
The acquisitions were made or appear in the name of León Manuel Bartlett Álvarez, son of the politician, and Julia Abdalá Lemus, partner of the former director of the CFE.
The largest property, with a surface area of 159 hectares, is located north of Playa del Carmen, where military engineers built a road with quality materials for the Mayan Train, but which also favored this terrain.
Another one is located in Cancun. Both are from companies owned by Bartlett Díaz’s son.
As for Julia Abdalá, an apartment in her name is located a few meters from the entrance of the recently inaugurated Jaguar National Park, in Tulum, one of the points with the greatest added value in the country.
Another piece of land in her name, measuring 3.8 hectares, is located near the beach in Puerto Morelos.
In the acquisition of this last property, names of local politicians came to light, such as former governor Roberto Borge Angulo, now imprisoned, whose former director of the Institute of Real Estate Heritage of Public Administration (IPAE), Claudia Romanillos Villanueva, was involved in favoring Julia Abdalá in the “purchase and sale” at zero pesos.— Process
Julia Abdalá Apartments as owner
Julia Abdalá, Bartlett’s partner, has two apartments in her name in Quintana Roo.
“Zero pesos”
One of the apartments is located in Puerto Morelos. The cost of the operation, “zero pesos”, was verified in the Public Registry of Property and Commerce, Cancún headquarters.
Politicians involved
In the acquisition of the property, names of local politicians came to light, such as former governor Roberto Borge Angulo, now imprisoned, whose former director of the Institute of Real Estate Heritage of Public Administration (IPAE), Claudia Romanillos Villanueva,
Imprisoned and on the run
Roberto Borge is currently deprived of his liberty in the state of Morelos for crimes against public office, while Romanillos Villanueva remains a fugitive for similar accusations.
#Manuel #Bartlett #protected #Diario #Yucatán
Interview with Dr. Mariana Ruiz, Political Analyst and Expert on Mexican Government Affairs
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Ruiz. In light of the recent developments surrounding Manuel Bartlett Díaz, what are your thoughts on the Federal Electricity Commission’s decision to classify pertinent information as confidential?
Dr. Mariana Ruiz: Thank you for having me. The decision to classify information regarding Bartlett as confidential raises several eyebrows. Transparency is crucial in governance, and it seems to contradict the government’s own promises for accountability. This classification could be perceived as an attempt to shield high-profile figures from scrutiny, particularly in the wake of serious allegations surrounding Bartlett’s family’s properties.
Interviewer: Former President López Obrador had expressed a commitment to investigating these allegations. Considering the lack of formal procedures against Bartlett as officially stated by CFE and other agencies, do you think this investigation will proceed?
Dr. Mariana Ruiz: The commitment from López Obrador to probe possible conflicts of interest is notable, but without an active investigation or clear procedural steps, it risks being more of a public relations effort than a genuine inquiry. If there are no formal complaints or investigations initiated by authorities, it diminishes the credibility of any follow-up actions. The public and media will be closely watching this situation unfold.
Interviewer: The properties acquired by Bartlett’s family are claimed to be valued significantly below market rates, which suggests potential corruption. How should the government act in response to these findings to restore public trust?
Dr. Mariana Ruiz: Restoring trust demands rigorous accountability measures. The government should ensure a thorough, impartial investigation into the acquisitions linked to Bartlett’s family. This includes examining how these properties were obtained and assessing the potential influence of the Mayan Train project on their value. Transparency in the investigation process is key; updating the public regularly can help mitigate suspicions of misconduct.
Interviewer: Given that both the CFE and the Attorney General’s Office found no record of investigations against Bartlett, how does this align with Mexican citizens’ expectations for government accountability?
Dr. Mariana Ruiz: Many citizens are disillusioned by perceptions of impunity among political elites. The absence of investigations despite overwhelming allegations can deepen the divide between the government and the public. Mexicans expect their leaders to be held accountable for any misconduct, particularly when public resources may be at stake. Therefore, if institutions don’t act robustly in cases like this, it may lead to widespread skepticism and a sense that the principles of justice are not being applied equally.
Interviewer: Lastly, how do you see the upcoming administration, under Claudia Sheinbaum, navigating this situation with respect to Bartlett and the ongoing public concerns?
Dr. Mariana Ruiz: Sheinbaum’s administration must tread carefully. On one hand, there’s the need to maintain integrity and transparency principles, and on the other, there’s a political legacy to consider. She can either choose to uphold the public’s expectation for accountability or potentially alienate constituents by avoiding scrutiny of powerful figures. The direction she takes will be crucial in shaping the narrative of governance and ethics in her administration.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for your insights on this complicated and evolving issue.
Dr. Mariana Ruiz: It was my pleasure; thank you for having me.
Do you believe that a lack of accountability here could have broader implications for governance in Mexico?
Dr. Mariana Ruiz: Absolutely. If high-profile figures are seen as being above the law or not subject to accountability, it can erode public trust in government institutions as a whole. This is particularly concerning in a democratic society where transparency and accountability are foundational. The current situation could lead to growing disillusionment among citizens, which may ultimately undermine the legitimacy of governmental processes. It is crucial for the government to act decisively to communicate that no one is above the law, regardless of their political affiliation or influence. Otherwise, we might witness increased public outrage and skepticism towards the state.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for your insightful analysis on this unfolding situation. Your perspective is invaluable as we continue to monitor these developments closely.
Dr. Mariana Ruiz: Thank you for having me. It’s essential for the public and the media to remain vigilant and engaged in these matters.
