1996-11-27 Local Press - Campaign Financing
Article Index
IFE Approves Campaign Financing
The General Council of the Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) approved the budget passed by Congress for 2.368 billion pesos (about $3.1 billion) in public financing for political parties to fund their campaigns in 1997. The budget was approved over the objections of the National Action Party (PAN) and the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), who said that such a high amount was "scandalous" in a country in crisis which can not afford the luxury of "rich parties and poor Mexicans". The PRD and the PAN are considering challenging the constitutionality of the Congressional law setting the amount of funding, which effectively limited the powers of the IFE. (Reforma, 23 November).
Official Explanation of PEMEX Explosion
The director of Mexican Petroleum (PEMEX), Adrian Lajous, said that the explosion in the PEMEX facility in San Juancio on November 11 was caused by a broken security valve on one of the tanks. The valve was from 1977, and did not meet required specifications. Nevertheless, investigators continue looking for other potential causes. Lajous said that there will be a full investigation, and those responsible will be held accountable. (Reforma, 20 November).