Former PRI president Enrique Peña Nieto has disclosed that he went into exile in Spain in 2019 in order to facilitate his successor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, in governing the country without causing distraction or controversy. Peña Nieto, who was the last president from the PRI party, expressed that after leaving office, he debated whether to stay in Mexico or fulfill his duty as a good former president by leaving the country. The decision to go into exile was prompted by the arrest of his lawyer and friend Juan Collado in 2019, who faced charges of organized crime, money laundering, and tax evasion. Peña Nieto shared these insights in the book “Confessions from Exile: EPN” after interviews with journalist Mario Maldonado.
He mentioned that it is important to show respect to the current government by keeping a healthy distance as a former president. Peña Nieto confirmed that he will continue to live outside the country for the duration of López Obrador’s term and has no plans to return to politics. He also discussed his interactions with López Obrador and the advice he provided before the current president took office. Peña Nieto reflected on his time in office, the controversies that surrounded his presidency, and the attempts to undermine his leadership. He also revealed his relationships with other former presidents, such as Carlos Salinas de Gortari and Felipe Calderón, both of whom reside in Spain.
In addition, Peña Nieto addressed the political crises that tarnished his reputation during his presidency, including the Ayotzinapa case and the scandal involving a property known as the White House. He shared regrets about how these events were handled within his government and the conspiracy to remove him from power. Despite these challenges, Peña Nieto completed his term and handed over power to López Obrador before relocating to Spain. He remains in contact with López Obrador and acknowledges the current president’s democratic approach. The former president thanked López Obrador for not succumbing to pressures during the 2018 elections and continues to maintain a respectful relationship with him.