Doubts are growing about Ricardo Anaya's political future in the Mexican Senate.

In the bench of the National Action Party (PAN), there is a growing concern regarding the situation of Ricardo Anaya, who is at the center of a legal controversy that raises serious doubts about his ability to assume his position as a senator of the Republic. The Attorney General's Office (FGR) is still investigating him for an alleged bribery of 6 million 800 thousand pesos, a scandal that dates back to his time as a federal deputy in 2012. This scandal is linked to the Energy Reform proposed during the administration of Enrique Peña Nieto, and to the corruption revelations involving the company Odebrecht and Emilio Lozoya, the former director of Pemex. The context is complex and grim. Anaya, who has been outside of Mexico and considers himself a fugitive from justice, must face the harsh reality that the arrest warrant against him would be activated as soon as he returns to the country. The situation is particularly delicate for the PAN, as Anaya's image, who was a presidential candidate in 2018, could be profoundly affected by these serious accusations. The pressure is mounting not only on him but also on his party colleagues, who see his eventual return to the Senate as both a challenge and an opportunity. The recent history of the PAN reveals how this situation parallels other political corruption cases in Mexico. In 2022, former PAN senator Jorge Luis Lavalle was imprisoned for similar offenses linked to Lozoya's statements. Although Lavalle managed to leave the Reclusorio Norte to face his trial in freedom, the shadow of his case remains in the memory of legislators. This connection has created an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding what Anaya could face if he manages to return to the political scene. Anaya has maintained a low profile in the United States, but his name continues to resonate in the halls of the PAN and among his supporters. The last time he was seen publicly was in a photograph with the national party leader, Marko Cortés, which has fueled speculation about his future participation and the support he still maintains within the party. However, the fundamental challenge he faces is how to take the oath as a senator, a procedure that requires his physical presence in the parliamentary chamber in Mexico City. The situation is further complicated by the administrative procedures Anaya must complete. According to the rules, he must register formally, which includes verifying his fingerprint and taking a photograph—steps that can only be approved by the Secretariat of the Interior. This bureaucracy represents a significant obstacle, as his legal situation could prevent him from fulfilling these requirements. Meanwhile, it is speculated that he might seek an amparo, similar to what the elected senator Miguel Ángel Yunes did under adverse legal circumstances. From the National Executive Center of the PAN, every movement of Anaya is being closely monitored. There are hopes that he will achieve an amparo that allows him to evade legal action, although the term "trunk operation" has begun to circulate among legislators as a reference to the extreme tactics some have used to avoid arrest. The collective memory of Mexican politics recalls the case of Julio César Godoy Toscano, who hid in the trunk of a car to avoid arrest and, despite the circumstances, managed to take his oath as a deputy. This precedent unsettles many in current politics. Meanwhile, the party observes how events unfold, aware that Anaya's situation could affect not only his political career but also the party's image in the national context. The legal challenges he faces could become a significant turning point, both for him and for the PAN, which is trying to maintain its relevance in an increasingly competitive and polarized political environment. The controversy surrounding Anaya is a reminder of the fragility of Mexican politics, where corruption scandals seem to be a recurring theme. The PAN's ability to manage this crisis could be a determining factor in its future, especially considering the upcoming electoral context. Anaya's figure, therefore, not only represents an individual but has also become a symbol of the ethical and legal dilemmas faced by politicians in the country. Looking to the future, many wonder if Ricardo Anaya will be able to overcome these hurdles and take his place in the Senate. The answer to this question will not only determine his personal fate but will also have significant implications for Mexican politics in general. Time is running out, and the pressure on the former presidential candidate is intensifying, marking the beginning of a new phase in his already tumultuous career.