Crisis of transparency in the PAN: travel expenses generate public distrust.

The National Action Party (PAN) is at the center of controversy as new data emerges regarding travel expenses and a lack of transparency in the accountability related to international trips undertaken by its leaders. Between 2019 and 2024, the party has allocated nearly eight million pesos for travel expenses for activities both in Mexico and abroad, raising questions about the management of its resources and the effectiveness of its strategies during a key electoral period. Marko Cortés Mendoza, the current leader of PAN, has found himself in unfavorable situations, including his recent deportation from Peru. His trip to Venezuela to observe the presidential elections has been one of the most controversial points. These types of trips, which Cortés has undertaken with other party representatives, seem to focus on positioning electoral issues, but the lack of clarity regarding the associated costs has generated distrust among party members and citizens. Data collected from the National Transparency Platform shows that, since 2019, the travel of PAN members to international events has cost at least 736,000 pesos. However, PAN has failed to provide a detailed breakdown of the expenses for these trips, including costs for lodging, meals, and transportation, which exacerbates criticism regarding the opacity in resource management. In 2023, for example, significant trips were recorded, such as the one made by Cortés to Texas, where he met with Mexican migrants to encourage them to participate in the upcoming elections. On this trip, transportation and lodging expenses amounted to over 24,000 pesos just for Cortés, and the total costs for him and six companions reached nearly 130,000 pesos. Although these figures are significant, they pale in comparison to the expenses of other trips, such as one made to Europe, where costs were not disclosed. Cortés's tour of Belgium and Germany in 2022 has been marked by a lack of financial information. Accompanied by prominent party members, the purpose of the visit was to seek support from the European Parliament to prevent the consolidation of an authoritarian regime in Mexico. However, PAN's silence regarding the costs of this activity has fueled the perception of a management style that is neither transparent nor responsible. The current situation of PAN is complicated. Since Cortés assumed leadership in November 2018, the party has suffered a notable loss of territorial power. From governing eleven states, it now only retains control in four, reflecting a crisis of identity and strategy that has been widely discussed by former leaders who have called for Cortés's resignation following recent electoral defeats. The recent presidential election, in which candidate Xóchitl Gálvez only managed to surpass the Morena candidate in Aguascalientes, is another indication of the wear and tear on PAN. The lack of a solid narrative and ineffectiveness in mobilizing the vote among its base have left many within the party questioning the decisions made by the current leadership. With Cortés's imminent departure in October, the future of PAN appears uncertain. As the 2024 election approaches, the party faces an urgent need to restructure its strategy and regain the trust of its members and voters. The lack of clarity in resource management, coupled with reduced electoral support, jeopardizes its position in the national political landscape. The lack of transparency in travel expenses is not only an administrative issue but also affects the party's image before a citizenry that demands greater accountability. The actions of Cortés and his team in recent years must be critically and openly evaluated if PAN seeks to rebuild its reputation and effectiveness in the near future. In conclusion, the National Action Party finds itself at a crossroads. The management of resources, lack of transparency, and recent electoral defeats have created an atmosphere of uncertainty. As elections approach, it will be essential for PAN to reformulate its strategy and regain the trust of both its members and the public if it truly aspires to be a viable alternative in Mexico's political landscape.