Rogerio Castro Vázquez, former federal delegate of the Secretaría del Bienestar in Yucatán, has been dismissed amid allegations of corruption, links to organized crime, and misuse of social programs, marking a dramatic fall for one of the state’s most prominent political figures.
Background
- Position: Delegate of the Secretaría del Bienestar Federal in Yucatán
- Tenure: October 2024 – March 2026 (15 months)
- Dismissal: Officially attributed to differences with Secretary Ariadna Montiel, though unofficial reports cite corruption and mismanagement.
Castro Vázquez, considered a founding member of the “Fourth Transformation” movement in Yucatán, abruptly canceled his weekly press conference before news of his removal surfaced. He reportedly sought support from President Claudia Sheinbaum and Morena’s leadership but was not received.
Allegations
- Organized crime links: Connected to the Cártel de los Mañe, accused of a massive fraud against Infonavit beneficiaries that affected more than 300 families in Yucatán.
- Program misuse: Allegedly diverted millions through contracts tied to Escuela es Nuestra and Vivienda para el Bienestar.
- Personal enrichment: Accused of acquiring luxury properties, vehicles, and real estate far beyond his official income.
- Legal issues: Facing a pending sexual abuse complaint from 2023.
Political Fallout
- Castro Vázquez’s dismissal is the first removal of a federal delegate in Yucatán under President Sheinbaum’s administration.
- His political career, once aimed at a Senate run in 2030, now appears in jeopardy.
- The scandal has fueled speculation that Morena may position a female candidate for the 2030 gubernatorial race, leveraging the Bienestar delegation’s resources to build electoral support.
Wider Implications
- Mauricio Sahuí Rivero, current Infonavit delegate, may also face removal due to conflicts with director Octavio Romero Oropeza and similar allegations of ties to the Cártel de los Mañe.
- The case has become a major talking point in Yucatán’s political circles, signaling a broader shake-up in federal representation in the state.
Rogerio Castro Vázquez’s downfall underscores the fragility of political careers amid corruption scandals and highlights the growing scrutiny of federal delegates in Yucatán. Once seen as a rising figure in Morena, his dismissal may mark the end of his ambitions, while opening the door for new contenders in the state’s political landscape.
Source: Sol Yucatan
