The Salinas Pliego Enigma: A Counter-Narrative Takes Shape in Mexico
Ricardo Salinas Pliego, the billionaire founder of TV Azteca, is increasingly positioning himself as a prominent, and controversial, voice of opposition to Mexico’s current government under President Claudia Sheinbaum. His actions, notably in recent months, suggest a deliberate effort to build a movement challenging the ruling Morena party’s political direction.
The escalating tension became particularly visible during Mexico’s Independence Day celebrations. While Sheinbaum prepared to deliver her first “Shout” from the National Palace on September 15th,Salinas preemptively released a video on his social media platforms. The video, featuring his wife María Laura Medina and framed by Mexican and religious flags alongside a television screen displaying “Life, property and freedom,” presented a stark contrast to the government’s message.Salinas directly framed the political landscape as a choice between Morena’s policies,which he characterized as leading to “misery” akin to Venezuela,Cuba,Soviet Russia,or Maoist China,and a path of “innovation,competition,continuous advancement” and “prosperity.”
Salinas went further, describing the current government as a “regime that appears criminal and corrupt” and actively soliciting support for his newly launched Anti-Corruption and Anti-Crime Movement (MAAC).The MAAC, with it’s echoes of Donald Trump’s “MAGA” slogan, aims to mobilize citizens and is underpinned by a ten-point plan advocating a shift from “dictatorship to democracy” – a document described as an “anarcho-capitalist self-help manual.” The movement’s launch event included prominent figures from the business, political, and journalistic spheres, all united in opposition to the policies of the previous López Obrador management (Obradorism).
Attendees at the MAAC launch event, speaking anonymously, expressed surprise at the proclamation. One attendee noted the event was similar to annual gatherings of TV Azteca journalists and analysts focused on the political climate and leadership, but the movement’s unveiling was unexpected. Questions regarding salinas’s potential presidential ambitions and the possibility of forming a political party were met with evasive responses.
Sources close to Salinas indicate his motivation extends beyond business interests,focusing on shaping his legacy.They suggest he is driven to promote a “libertarian-capitalist political project” that directly challenges Morena’s dominance. Future steps, according to these sources, are contingent on the outcome of ongoing legal battles with the SAT (Mexico’s tax authority) and President Sheinbaum’s willingness to engage in negotiations.
The current adversarial relationship represents a notable shift. Salinas previously enjoyed a cordial relationship with former President Andrés Manuel López obrador, even serving as part of his economic advisory group. He claims to have reached an agreement with López Obrador to settle outstanding tax debts for 7.5 billion pesos, an agreement he alleges was subsequently revoked by a new SAT director, leading to a demand for 74 billion pesos.
in recent interviews, Salinas has continued to criticize the government, accusing them of attempting to “break” him due to his vocal opposition, which he labels as challenging the “Morenarco regime.” While he hasn’t ruled out a presidential run in 2030, his immediate focus appears to be on building a counter-narrative and mobilizing opposition to the current administration. The long-term implications of Salinas Pliego’s evolving political role remain uncertain, leaving the ”Salinas enigma” unresolved.
