Ciudad Juárez Municipality Accused of Zero Transparency by PAN
Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, April 19 – The current municipal administration of Ciudad Juárez, under the leadership of Cruz Pérez Cuéllar, has been publicly criticized by Ulises Pacheco, the local leader of the National Action Party (PAN), for what he describes as a complete lack of transparency in its financial dealings. Pacheco asserts that the municipality fails to provide sufficient information to demonstrate a transparent management of public resources, a claim that stems from an official request for information.
Discrepancies in Contract Reporting Spark Controversy
According to Pacheco, the controversy began after an exhortation was issued to the municipal government, based on the 2025 Budget Law, seeking detailed information on contracts. The response from Mayor Pérez Cuéllar was deemed incomplete by the PAN, raising immediate concerns about the accuracy and completeness of the disclosed financial data.
Pacheco Rodríguez revealed that he gained access to a list of contracts, purportedly provided by the mayor himself, which indicated a total value of approximately 800 million pesos. However, the official information subsequently delivered by the municipal administration reported a significantly lower sum, around 50 million pesos. This stark difference has led the PAN to conclude that there may be a deliberate attempt to conceal public funds.
PAN to Pursue Review with Transparency Institute
In response to these findings, the Municipal Committee of the National Action Party has announced its intention to file an appeal for review with the Chihuahua Institute for Transparency and Access to Public Information. The party aims to compel the municipal administration to provide a complete and accurate disclosure of all relevant financial information, emphasizing their commitment to accountability and the proper use of taxpayer money.
The PAN’s stance underscores a broader concern regarding governmental transparency and the public’s right to access information about how their taxes are being utilized. This development places increased scrutiny on Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuéllar’s administration, particularly as it relates to financial oversight and adherence to transparency regulations.
Context: Recent Local News in Ciudad Juárez
This accusation of a lack of transparency comes amidst other notable local developments in Ciudad Juárez. Recently, discussions have been initiated regarding the potential registration of bicycles as part of an integrated mobility plan for the city. Additionally, the local water and sanitation board (JMAS) is slated to participate in hydraulic intervention works within the city, indicating ongoing infrastructure projects.
In the realm of education and safety, schools in Ciudad Juárez have reportedly ceased the controversial “backpack operation” (Operación Mochila), opting instead for student bag inspections conducted with the presence of parents and authorities, signaling a shift in security protocols within educational institutions.
These events highlight a dynamic period for Ciudad Juárez, where civic engagement and governmental accountability are increasingly under the public spotlight. The outcome of the PAN’s appeal to the Chihuahua Institute for Transparency will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for future demands for governmental accountability in the region.
The PAN maintains that the integrity of public service depends on unwavering transparency, and they are committed to ensuring that the citizens of Ciudad Juárez receive a full accounting of their municipal government’s financial activities.
