The president of the Senate, Gerardo Fernández Noroña, traveled to France to participate in the European Conference of Presidents of Parliaments. Noroña was criticized for his first-class flight, to which he responded that he covered part of the trip's cost and that his participation was in worthy representation of Mexico.
During the conference, Noroña led bilateral meetings with important European leaders. Despite not reaching concrete agreements, the senator considered that his participation was well received. In response to the criticism received, Noroña explained that the Upper Chamber paid the equivalent of a coach class flight and he covered the difference with his own money to travel in first class.
President Claudia Sheinbaum sent a letter to the leadership of Morena mentioning the concept of "political tourism". In her statements, she clarified that legislators must prioritize their work in the national territory and maintain contact with the citizens who elected them. Sheinbaum did not mention names but urged to prevent trips that are not relevant to the country.
In the face of accusations of using public resources for political tourism, Noroña defended his trip to France and claimed to have covered most of it. The controversy arising from this case has generated a debate about the importance of international trips by legislators and their true relevance in benefiting Mexico.
