Congressional House Leaders Say Deal Reached on Anti-Corruption Bill Dave Graham - Reuters
go to original February 25, 2015

Mexico's endemic corruption has been under the spotlight in recent months. In response to mounting political and public pressure, President Enrique Peña Nieto has pledged to oversee a campaign to combat corruption, although the population and the opposition has its doubts. Clayton Conn reports from Mexico. (teleSUR English)

Leaders in Mexico's lower house of Congress said on Tuesday they have reached agreement on an anti-corruption bill, delivering a boost to President Enrique Pena Nieto, who is trying to free himself from a damaging conflict of interest row.

The bill, which strengthens oversight of public officials and designates a special prosecutor to tackle corruption, follows months of stalled efforts to pass anti-graft measures and criticism of the government for neglecting the problem.

Passage of the bill could ease pressure on Pena Nieto, whose focus on reforming the struggling economy has been overshadowed by scandals highlighting rampant impunity in Mexico. However, even if the new measures are enacted, critics question whether they will be strictly enforced.

Manlio Fabio Beltrones, lower house leader of Pena Nieto's Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), said he and the main opposition parties had reached "general agreement" on the bill, and expected voting to begin in coming days.

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