Controversy has erupted surrounding Julio Scherer Ibarra as his son, Julio Scherer Pareyon, labels recent inquiries regarding alleged influence peddling as a “vulgar and servile maneuver.” This comment was made following a significant morning conference that brought the accusations to light. In a show of fortitude, President Claudia Sheinbaum has distanced herself from Scherer Ibarra and called for an investigation into the implicated contracts.
Scherer Pareyon’s Reaction: Accuses Campaign of Intrigue
Scherer Pareyon took to social media to decry the manner in which the questions were raised during the conference, attributing the accusations to a designed political strategy. He asserted, “It was not a question; it was a maneuver. Vulgar, servile, distant from journalism.” Asserting further, he claimed that the inquiry originated from a “representative” of Jesus Ramirez Cuevas, thus validating his belief in a “campaign of intrigue” against his family.
Notably, this incident coincides with the anniversary of Julio Scherer García’s birth, a fact that Pareyon himself highlighted as symbolically significant in his critique.
Morning Conference: Contracts and Alleged Influence
During the morning conference, questions surfaced regarding a law firm associated with Scherer Ibarra that purportedly offered management services to a company supplying heavy vehicles to the Secretary of National Defense. Reports indicated that the firm had promised to facilitate the awarding of contracts, although tenders are stated to have been resolved by criteria of economic competitiveness. Furthermore, issues involving individuals allegedly withdrawing millions of funds despite judicial protection measures were discussed.
A critical question was raised regarding whether Scherer Ibarra retains any influence over the current government or the Judiciary.
Sheinbaum Distances Herself and Orders Investigation
In response, President Sheinbaum firmly denied any connections or influences from the former official in her administration. “I haven’t seen Julio Scherer since I entered the Government of the Republic,” she declared. She added that no family, friends, or acquaintances of hers hold sway in the allocation of public contracts.
Moreover, she instructed the Anticorruption Secretariat to investigate the matter, asserting that “we do not tolerate corruption—that has to be very clear—and there is no impunity.”
Scherer Ibarra’s Role in the Fourth Transformation
Scherer Ibarra’s name frequently resurfaces in political discourse, largely due to his close ties with former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, serving as his legal advisor from 2018 to 2021. His governmental role included key functions in executing the legal strategy underpinning the so-called Fourth Transformation, alongside participation in prior political processes.
- He was involved in the legal team that claimed electoral fraud in 2006 and played an instrumental role in the successful 2018 presidential campaign.
- He held leadership in the Legal Department during the initial years of the administration.
- He left public service in 2021, returning to private practice.
Even after exiting governmental roles, Scherer Ibarra has remained in the public eye, voicing opinions and producing related publications.
A Book and Public Reappearance: “Neither Revenge nor Forgiveness”
In 2026, Scherer Ibarra garnered attention through the publication of Neither Vengeance nor Forgiveness, where he critiques figures in the ruling party and reflects on internal government episodes. The work incited considerable tensions, as it includes accusations against key actors within the ruling elite.
While the president sidesteps deeper discussions about the book’s content, she has indicated that any complaints arising from it should be directed to the appropriate authorities.
A Case that Escalates in Political Debate
The unfolding events underline the friction between former officials, current policymakers, and the media landscape. The presidency upholds a policy of zero tolerance towards influence in public hiring, while the Scherer family perceives the situation as an ongoing vendetta encroaching upon political realms.
The investigation announced will play a pivotal role in establishing whether there are irregularities linked to the aforementioned contracts or if, as suggested by Scherer Pareyon, this is merely a strategy of disparagement.