The INAI and its key role in the fight for transparency in Mexico.

The recent history of Mexico has been marked by a significant effort towards transparency and access to information. In this context, the National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and the Protection of Personal Data (INAI) has been a central piece, especially in the fight against corruption and the promotion of accountability. Since its creation, INAI has led various investigations that have shed light on dark cases and allowed citizens to learn more about the actions and decisions of the government. One of the most notable cases exemplifying the impact of INAI is the scandal known as La Estafa Maestra, which erupted during the presidency of Enrique Peña Nieto. This corruption network, which involved the diversion of billions of pesos from public funds through fictitious contracts, would not have come to light without the intervention of this agency. Thanks to investigations driven by INAI, details were revealed that allowed the media and the general public to delve into the web of corruption that had remained hidden for so long. The 2000s marked a milestone in Mexico's political history, as a more transparent system began to take shape. With the implementation of the Federal Law on Transparency and Access to Public Information in 2002, a crucial step was taken towards the democratization of government information. The creation of INAI in 2015 consolidated this effort, focusing on eliminating the "dark areas" that had characterized Mexican public administration for decades. INAI has not only been an agent of transparency but has also promoted investigations into emblematic cases of human rights violations. For instance, INAI's involvement in the case of the clandestine graves in San Fernando, Tamaulipas, and the student repression in 1968 are just a few examples of how this agency has forced authorities to be accountable and to clarify facts that must be known by society. Moreover, INAI has played a fundamental role in the Ayotzinapa case, where its intervention allowed the dissemination of crucial information regarding the disappearance of 43 students. This case has moved the nation and kept the clamor for justice present on the public agenda, highlighting the importance of transparency in matters of security and human rights. The economic realm has also been under INAI's scrutiny. With over 100 complaints related to tax evasion and fraud, this agency has demanded that the Tax Administration Service (SAT) report on the companies involved and the amounts forgiven. Such actions underscore INAI's commitment to ensuring that public resources are used appropriately and that those responsible for irregularities in handling these resources face consequences. The case of Segalmex, considered one of the largest frauds of the current administration, is another example of INAI's impact. By ordering the Attorney General's Office to provide relevant complaints, INAI has demonstrated its ability to act as a watchdog of public funds, and its role in the fight against impunity is crucial in a country where corruption has been endemic. However, despite these achievements, the future of INAI is at a crossroads. The growing political pressure to dismantle this agency jeopardizes the progress made in the area of transparency. The potential liquidation of INAI raises questions about the state's willingness to continue on the path towards greater accountability. The great tragedy of this situation is that, despite the tangible benefits that INAI has provided to society, some sectors seek to weaken it. It is essential for citizens to recognize the importance of an agency that has been fundamental in eradicating opacity and corruption in public administration. In conclusion, the history of INAI is undoubtedly one of the most relevant narratives in the recent political and social evolution of Mexico. Its role in promoting transparency and accountability has been crucial, and its possible disappearance would represent a significant setback in the struggle for a fairer and more transparent Mexico. The defense of this institute is, therefore, a defense of democracy itself.