Mexico's president has expressed strong opposition to U.S. funding for a Mexican anti-corruption nonprofit group, citing concerns about foreign intervention in the country's affairs. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador criticized the group, alleging its ties to the conservative opposition and questioning its eligibility for foreign funding and tax-deductible contributions.
López Obrador disclosed detailed financial information about the group, revealing that it had received approximately $685,000 from U.S. charitable foundations over the past eight years. Additionally, he claimed that a larger sum of around $5 million in recent years had allegedly come from the U.S. Agency for International Development, which falls under the State Department.
The president announced his intention to send a diplomatic note to the U.S. government to protest the funding, emphasizing his belief in U.S. government interference in Mexico's sovereignty. He also mentioned plans to present a bill to Congress aimed at altering the regulations concerning tax-deductible contributions.
Despite the group's denial of political affiliations and its focus on monitoring government spending and programs for misconduct, López Obrador has persistently criticized its activities. The organization, Mexicans Against Corruption and Impunity, has been vocal in its opposition to various government initiatives, including those led by López Obrador.
While USAID often supports civil society groups globally, López Obrador has raised concerns about the group's funding sources and potential partisan misuse of government funds. He has also pledged to investigate the donations with the involvement of prosecutors and tax authorities.
This latest development underscores the ongoing tension between the Mexican government and civil society organizations critical of López Obrador's administration. The president's actions align with a broader trend in Latin America and beyond, where leaders have taken measures to limit external funding for nongovernmental organizations.
Notably, Bolivia and Nicaragua have previously expelled USAID and imposed restrictions on NGOs, citing concerns about foreign interference and undermining of government authority. López Obrador's stance reflects a growing global debate on the role of external funding in civil society and its implications for national sovereignty.
