‘This is not nepotism’: Ricardo Gallardo denies promoting his wife for the governorship of San Luis Potosí
Ricardo Gallardo, the governor of San Luis Potosí, denied promoting his wife, Senator Ruth González Silva, for the governorship, stating that it would not be nepotism if she chooses to run for office.
Ricardo Gallardo, the governor of San Luis Potosí, has publicly denied allegations of nepotism regarding his wife, Senator Ruth González Silva, who expresses ambitions to succeed him in the governorship. In an interview held in the Senate during the inauguration of a state fair, Gallardo categorically stated that he has no intention of promoting his wife’s political aspirations and firmly rejected claims that such actions would constitute nepotism. He defined nepotism as the act of hiring personal relatives to government positions, asserting that seeking electoral positions through democratic elections is legitimate.
The governor addressed questions about the ethical guidelines of his party, the Verde Ecologista, compared to those of Morena, the party of the current president. He emphasized that while there may be differences in party statutes, the legality and morality of participating in elections do not equate to nepotism. Gallardo also avoided direct comments on whether he would support his wife's candidacy in the future, suggesting it's not the right moment for such discussions.
This statement comes amidst a larger dialogue about nepotism in Mexican politics, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding governance and familial connections in political appointments. As electoral pressures mount ahead of the next elections, Gallardo's comments reflect an attempt to distance himself from potential scandals that could jeopardize his administration's reputation and that of his party, ensuring that the focus remains on the candidate's qualifications rather than family ties.