Deputy Pedro Haces Lago warned that almost half of the citizenry identifies nepotism as one of the most concerning practices within public service, noting that 49% of those surveyed consider it an alarming form of corruption. In this context, the legislator presented a proposal to clearly establish when a public servant engages in nepotism, with the aim of closing legal loopholes and preventing abuses in the public administration of Mexico City. What does the anti-nepotism proposal entail? According to the initiative, nepotism will be considered when a public official: names, appoints, hires, or promotes direct relatives. acts personally or through third parties to benefit individuals with close ties. favors individuals with a blood relationship up to the fourth degree or affinity up to the second degree. benefits spouses, concubines, or de facto partners. Furthermore, the proposal includes other scenarios often used to evade the law, such as: reciprocal favors among officials. simulated hiring for fees or temporary positions. agreements between public officials to place their associates in positions. They seek to ensure merit in public service. The deputy emphasized that the initiative does not seek to limit the access of qualified individuals but to guarantee equitable conditions in selection processes. "If a person has the capacity, preparation, and merits, they will be able to participate, but without anyone intervening from power to smooth the way. With clearer rules, we aim to prevent nepotism from continuing to operate under covert schemes within public service," the legislator concluded. In the country's capital, surnames should not prevail, but aptitudes, as a fundamental principle for access to government positions. "As simple as that," said Pedro Haces Lago. In this sense, he stressed that public positions must be obtained based on work, preparation, and ability, leaving aside privileges derived from personal or family relationships. Combating corruption in Mexico City. The proposal is part of efforts to strengthen transparency and combat practices that erode public trust in institutions.
