In a revealing interview, Mexican businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego shared the details surrounding the collapse of his friendship with former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO). Salinas, who owns significant enterprises including Grupo Elektra and TV Azteca, outlined how their relationship soured during AMLO's administration, citing manipulation and dishonesty as key factors.
During a recent episode of the podcast Kibbe on Liberty, hosted by Matt Kibbe, Salinas recounted how their friendship began positively but quickly deteriorated. "With our last president, López Obrador, I used to be friends with him at the beginning, and we had many conversations. I realized how he was taking advantage of me and lying to me all the time," Salinas stated.
One of the pivotal moments that led to their fallout occurred in 2021 when Salinas and AMLO had a significant disagreement regarding a proposed initiative aimed at prohibiting the condoning of taxes, particularly affecting donations made by businesses through their foundations. Salinas accused AMLO of wanting to centralize all charitable activities under government control, which he found unacceptable.
"We had a big discussion at the beginning of his term about how he couldn't possibly stand the idea of the private sector doing charity work. He wanted everything to be done through the central State and made many legislative changes to prevent individuals from donating and obtaining tax reductions," Salinas explained.
This sentiment echoes Salinas's broader concerns about AMLO's administration, which he believes enacted numerous constitutional reforms that effectively stifled the operation of private foundations. "He killed thousands of foundations that were doing all sorts of different work—some good, some bad. He wanted everyone to be at the service of the State," he added.
Salinas's comments come at a time when he faces significant financial challenges, with reports indicating that his companies owe over 63 billion pesos in taxes. This debt includes more than 53 billion pesos stemming from tax trials initiated due to audits conducted between 2008 and 2018. Salinas has also been granted tax credits amounting to 10 billion pesos under the current administration of Claudia Sheinbaum.
Despite these financial troubles, Salinas maintains that he has settled his accounts with the Treasury, insisting he owes nothing to the State. The ongoing litigation in the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) regarding an estimated 34 billion pesos adds to the complexity of his situation.
Salinas's wealth has seen a dramatic fluctuation, as Forbes recently reported that he ranks fifth among the richest individuals in Mexico and 734th worldwide, with a current fortune of approximately USD 4.9 billion. This marks a significant drop from the USD 13.4 billion he held in 2024, reflecting a loss of USD 8.5 billion within just a year.
As a prominent figure in Mexican business and media, Salinas has played a crucial role in expanding markets historically dominated by few competitors, particularly in sectors like telecommunications and banking. His conglomerate, Grupo Salinas, has been involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting social mobility and economic development across Mexico.
The fallout with AMLO has not only affected Salinas personally but has also broader implications for the relationship between the government and the private sector in Mexico. Salinas's assertion that AMLO sought to control charitable donations raises questions about the future of private philanthropy in the country.
In the podcast, Salinas reflected on the initial camaraderie he felt with AMLO, expressing disappointment over the ultimate betrayal he perceived. "I thought Andrés and I were 'friends' until I realized his true personality and intentions," he lamented.
The interview has garnered significant attention, with over 627,000 views and more than 10,000 likes, indicating a strong public interest in the dynamics of power and friendship within Mexican politics.
As the political landscape continues to evolve under the current administration, the implications of Salinas's revelations may resonate beyond his personal grievances, potentially influencing public perception of government policies regarding private sector engagement and philanthropy.
In summary, Salinas's candid remarks shed light on the complexities of political relationships in Mexico, particularly how personal friendships can be deeply affected by ideological differences and policy disagreements. The ongoing saga of his tax issues and the broader implications for charitable foundations in Mexico remain critical points of discussion as Salinas navigates his future in the business and political arenas.
