Marx Arriaga, the general director of Educational Materials in Mexico's Ministry of Public Education (SEP), disclosed his annual salary of 1.6 million pesos, along with numerous assets including a house valued over a million pesos, two vehicles, a motorcycle, and a classic car he bought for just 60 pesos. Despite his financial successes, he also reported debts exceeding 160,000 pesos across three credit cards. This revelation came from his asset declaration submitted on May 19, 2025, which is accessible via the Declaranet portal for public officials.

The situation surrounding Arriaga escalated on February 13 when he was dismissed from his position, prompting him to barricade himself in his office while awaiting an official announcement regarding his future. His dismissal sparked a significant public response, particularly regarding the transparency and accountability of senior officials in the educational sector. Mario Delgado, the head of the SEP, became a central figure in the drama that unfolded over the following days as he addressed the implications of Arriaga's removal and the broader context of educational reform in Mexico.

Arriaga's case highlights the intersection of education and politics in Mexico, as well as public concerns about how officials manage their wealth amidst a backdrop of educational inequality. The controversy serves to underscore the ongoing debates about accountability, as citizens increasingly call for greater scrutiny of government officials and more equitable distribution of educational resources. This situation not only impacts the individuals involved but also reflects broader systemic issues within the Mexican educational system.