25 former presidents accuse "political revenge" in Mexico over Ruffo case; Fox, Calderón, Uribe and Aznar, among the signatories

Twenty-five former presidents from Iberoamerica, including Spain’s José María Aznar, Mexico’s Felipe Calderón, Colombia’s Álvaro Uribe, and others, have accused the Mexican government of engaging in “political revenge” following the detention of opposition figure Ernesto Ruffo. The group, known as the Grupo IDEA, issued two simultaneous statements expressing their deep concern over the erosion of democratic guarantees and the rule of law in several countries across Latin America. The arrests of Ruffo, a former governor of Baja California, have been described by the ex-presidents as part of a broader pattern of political retaliation. They argue that his detention, on charges of organized crime and fuel smuggling, is not based on solid evidence but rather serves as a tool to silence dissent. According to the statement, Ruffo was the first oppositionally elected governor in modern Mexican history, making his arrest all the more alarming to the group. The Grupo IDEA has condemned the use of imprisonment as a means of suppressing political opposition, calling it a serious violation of the rule of law. They claim this action sends an unacceptable message that the state itself is engaged in persecution. The group also warned that such actions could lead to the end of free elections in Nicaragua, citing concerns over President Daniel Ortega’s announcement to permanently ban electoral processes. In addition to Mexico and Nicaragua, the group expressed alarm over the geopolitical dynamics involving the United States and Venezuela. They criticized the continued support for certain elites within the country, arguing that this undermines the democratic legitimacy of the Venezuelan people. The group noted that Venezuelans have shown remarkable maturity and resilience, choosing leaders through peaceful means, yet their democratic credentials are being ignored. The former leaders emphasized that the situation in Venezuela reflects a larger trend of authoritarianism creeping into democratic institutions. They pointed out that despite the evident will of the people, the legitimacy of their choices is being undermined by external forces and internal actors who seek to control the narrative. The Grupo IDEA has called for urgent international attention to these developments, urging regional organizations like the Organization of American States to take stronger stances against such practices. They believe that the lack of response from these bodies indicates a failure to uphold democratic principles in the region. The group’s statements come amid growing tensions in Mexico, where critics accuse authorities of using legal mechanisms to target political opponents. The case of Ruffo has sparked debates about the independence of judicial institutions and whether they are being manipulated for political ends. Supporters of the current administration argue that the charges against Ruffo are legitimate and necessary for maintaining public order. As the controversy continues, the Grupo IDEA remains committed to monitoring the situation and advocating for the protection of democratic norms. Their warnings underscore the potential consequences of allowing political repression to go unchecked, both within individual nations and across the entire region.