On August 10th, 2025, a political scandal erupted in Oaxaca when a substitute senator from the ruling Morena party was caught driving under the influence during a routine breathalyzer checkpoint. The senator, Natalie Chavez, refused to comply with the breathalyzer test, citing her constitutional immunity as a sitting legislator.
This incident quickly gained traction on social media, sparking widespread outrage and reigniting debates about the abuse of political privilege in Mexico. The senator’s invocation of “fuero”—a legal protection granted to elected officials to shield them from prosecution—was seen by many as a blatant misuse of power. Critics argued that such protections were never intended to cover criminal behavior, especially actions that endanger public safety, like driving while intoxicated.
The controversy has prompted calls for reform, with activists and legal experts urging lawmakers to reconsider the scope of immunity granted to public officials. Some have pointed to previous efforts to limit or eliminate fuero, noting that while symbolic progress has been made, enforcement remains inconsistent.
In response to the backlash, members of the Morena party have remained largely silent, while opposition figures have seized the moment to demand accountability and transparency. The incident also coincides with broader legislative efforts in Mexico and abroad to tighten DUI laws and hold public figures to higher standards.
As investigations continue, the case serves as a stark reminder of the tension between legal privilege and ethical responsibility in public office. Whether this will lead to meaningful change or fade into the background of political noise remains to be seen.
With information from OEM
