In a bold move to combat dishonest practices that affect both citizens and governments, National Action Party (PAN) deputy Miguel Lechuga has presented a reform initiative to typify the announcement or promotion of ghost works as the illicit exercise of public service. This proposal aims to add an article to the Law of Administrative Responsibilities of the State of Nuevo León, Mexico. The proposed amendment would read: “Incurs in the illicit exercise of public service who, derived from their functions, disseminates through ads, events, acts, or government management reports, strategic public works projects that are established in the State Development Plan or the Municipal Development Plan, without the works being completed within the period of government.”

Lechuga cited a recent example of non-compliance: the decision by the Government of Nuevo León to rule out the construction of Metro Line 4 to the municipality of Santa Catarina, despite it being included in the development plan. “This decision has generated discontent among the population and has exacerbated mobility problems in the region, affecting thousands of citizens who depend on public transport,” Lechuga stated.

Lechuga emphasized that one of the main problems with breaches is the lack of transparency in government decision-making. “Citizens have the right to know the reasons behind the cancellation or modification of key projects. The absence of clear and justified explanations generates a climate of distrust and social discontent,” he said.

He further explained that the breach of the State Development Plan by governors has serious repercussions on the economy, infrastructure, and citizen confidence in their institutions. “To avoid these problems, it is essential that governments act with responsibility, transparency, and commitment to established plans. Accountability and citizen participation are key tools to ensure that the projects contemplated in the PED are carried out for the benefit of the whole society,” Lechuga asserted.

Lechuga described the announcement of works that have not even been initiated as a practice that undermines public trust and distorts the perception of government performance. He said, “On many occasions, these reports present as achieved works that have not even begun to be built, which represents a bad practice that undermines public trust and distorts the perception of government performance.”

To strengthen democracy and improve public management, Lechuga believes it is essential that governments prioritize transparency, truthfulness, and accountability in their communication with society. He commented, “It is necessary that sanctions be imposed on those who use government advertising to disseminate promises that later become achieved achievements, only in this way can it be guaranteed that government reports faithfully reflect the real state of administration and contribute to the genuine development of communities.”

This initiative by Lechuga is not an isolated effort. Similar concerns about government transparency and accountability have been raised in the United States as well. For instance, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law in 2021, includes provisions to ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation of federal funds for infrastructure projects. The act mandates regular reporting and audits to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget, echoing Lechuga’s call for transparency and accountability.

In the United States, the concept of ghost works can be compared to “pork barrel spending,” where public funds are allocated to projects that are often unnecessary or politically motivated, rather than based on genuine public need. Such practices can lead to a lack of trust in government institutions, similar to the issues highlighted by Lechuga. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) in the U.S. regularly publishes reports on government spending and accountability, providing valuable insights into how federal funds are used and where improvements can be made.

Critics might argue that imposing sanctions on government officials for announcing uncompleted projects could stifle innovation and discourage ambitious projects. However, Lechuga’s proposal aims to ensure that governments are held accountable for their promises, rather than penalizing honest efforts to improve infrastructure. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, governments can build trust with citizens and ensure that public funds are used effectively.

In conclusion, Miguel Lechuga’s proposal to typify ghost works as illicit public service is a significant step toward enhancing government transparency and accountability. By ensuring that government reports reflect the true state of administration and that citizens are informed about the progress of key projects, governments can build trust and foster a more democratic society. This initiative, along with similar efforts in the United States, highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in public management.