Morena leadership is meeting this Sunday at the World Trade Center in Mexico City for its 8th Extraordinary National Congress to elect a new leader following Luisa María Alcalde's move to President Claudia Sheinbaum's cabinet. The process seeks to designate the individual who will head the party until October 1, 2027.
The election takes place against a backdrop of high political tension following allegations from the U.S. Department of Justice against Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and nine other officials regarding alleged drug trafficking and firearms possession. In light of this situation, lawmakers from within the party's own caucus have called for an urgent reform of internal statutes to prevent individuals linked to organized crime from reaching public office.
Proposal for Ethical and Financial Vetting
Senator Guadalupe Chavira, as reported by El Universal, urged the strengthening of selection mechanisms to ensure that candidacies are beyond reproach. Chavira acknowledged that during the 2024 processes, territorial alliances and practical profiles were prioritized, but admitted that the necessary level of rigor was lacking.
“It is necessary to strengthen candidate selection mechanisms to avoid these types of situations,” the senator stated in an interview with El Universal. The legislator proposed that Morena implement criminal background checks and require a minimum platform of ethics and honesty, particularly for external candidates.
Chavira also suggested that Morena’s lawmakers, mayors, and governors should submit financial disclosures every six months. The senator recalled her previous experience as a district president in Milpa Alta under the PRD, where asset declarations were cross-referenced with financial and bank statements.
Meanwhile, Representative Dolores Padierna addressed the Rocha Moya case upon arriving at the congress, noting that the party will not grant the official automatic support. “The party supports whoever it needs to support. Rocha Moya does not need our support. He must be held accountable; he has requested leave, he is being held accountable, and it will be the authorities who handle the corresponding matters. We are merely politicians,” Padierna affirmed, according to El Universal's coverage.
In the race for leadership, Ariadna Montiel has emerged as a frontrunner after leaving the Ministry of Welfare on April 28. Former Morena leader Mario Delgado expressed confidence in the support the party membership will provide to Montiel during the gathering at the WTC.
