20 Years Since Carlos Ahumada’s Corruption Video: Bejarano Reflects and Calls for Unity
Twenty years have passed since the video surfaced, showing Carlos Ahumada handing bundles of cash to René Bejarano, who was then an operator for former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The amount was 45,000 dollars. This video shocked many Mexicans, leading to Bejarano being nicknamed the “man of the rubber bands.” Reflecting on the incident, Bejarano stated, “Political struggle is like traveling on the road: you may have accidents and wounds, but you must keep moving forward.”
When asked if the incident limited him, Bejarano replied, “Not at all, I am still working a lot… always.”
Bejarano recently called for unity and distanced himself from Morena, the ruling party. He addressed a meeting in Morelia, where he provided an analysis of the 2025 Economic Package presented by the Federal Executive to the Chamber of Deputies.
He mentioned that the Movimiento Nacional por la Esperanza aims to recruit one million members and clarified that it is not a parallel structure to Morena. “We were founded in 2004 as a Civil Association and have remained that way. Morena is a party, but at our core, we are the same people,” he explained.
How is René Bejarano’s current political vision influencing his relationship with Morena and other political entities in Mexico?
Interview with René Bejarano: Reflections on Two Decades Since the Cash Scandal and Future Political Aspirations
By News Directory Staff
ND: Twenty years ago, a video surfaced showing Carlos Ahumada handing you $45,000 in cash, an incident that shocked many and earned you the nickname “the man of rubber bands.” How do you reflect on that period, and what lessons have you taken away from it?
Bejarano: Political struggle is like traveling on the road: you may have accidents and wounds, but you must keep moving forward. The incident was certainly a dark moment that influenced my journey, but it did not define my career or my resolve. I’ve continued to work hard in politics, focusing on the issues that matter to me and the people I serve.
ND: It seems you’ve remained active despite this past. Would you say that incident limited you in any way?
Bejarano: Not at all, I am still working a lot… always. One cannot let the past dictate their future. My commitment to public service and political engagement remains as strong as ever.
ND: Recently, you’ve distanced yourself from Morena, the ruling party, and emphasized the need for unity within the political spectrum. Can you elaborate on your vision for the future?
Bejarano: Yes, I recently addressed a meeting in Morelia where I provided an analysis of the 2025 Economic Package presented to the Chamber of Deputies. I believe it is crucial for us to unite, especially as we approach the Morena leadership elections in Michoacán. The Movimiento Nacional por la Esperanza (MNE) aims to recruit one million members, and I want to clarify that we are not a parallel structure to Morena. We were founded in 2004 as a Civil Association and have remained that way. At our core, we are still the same people, united in our principles.
ND: You mentioned a successful State Assembly of the MNE. What can you tell us about the participation and the outcomes of that event?
Bejarano: The assembly was a huge success, with enthusiastic participation from leaders across the region. It’s a testament to the commitment and passion that our members have for our cause. We are gearing up for the elections and emphasizing the importance of unity as we navigate the political landscape in Michoacán.
ND: Lastly, you attended a Forum of Solidarity with the Palestinian people recently. What significance does this hold for you in your political journey?
Bejarano: It was a meaningful experience. Speaking with the Palestinian Ambassador and reconnecting with Mexican leftist leaders reaffirmed the importance of solidarity and internationalism in our struggle. Our political battles are not just local; they are interconnected with global issues of justice and human rights. I believe that a unified front can bring about the change we seek, both at home and abroad.
ND: Thank you, Mr. Bejarano, for sharing your thoughts with us today.
Bejarano: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to continue these conversations as we move forward together.
On November 23, Bejarano reported a successful State Assembly of the MNE, with enthusiastic participation from leaders across the region. He also emphasized the importance of unity ahead of the upcoming election for the Morena leadership in Michoacán. The party’s State Council will meet to elect a new leader for the term until 2027.
Additionally, Bejarano attended a Forum of Solidarity with the Palestinian people on the same day. He expressed pleasure in speaking with Palestine’s Ambassador to Mexico and reconnecting with Mexican leftist leaders he has collaborated with in the past.