Mexico’s new (but old) anti-corruption fix

After a series of corruption scandals, Mexico has created a government-backed National Anti-Corruption System that — to my surprise — is getting good reviews from some leading independent anti-graft groups.

Some respected anti-corruption groups, such as Transparency International, say Mexico’s new approach could perhaps even become a model for Brazil, Argentina and other countries shaken by government corruption cases.

The new National Anti-Corruption System was approved by Mexico’s Congress late Tuesday with the support of the country’s two biggest opposition parties. Because the wide-ranging plan requires a constitutional change, it will have to be approved by a majority of the country’s state legislatures.

It follows a series of government corruption scandals that have taken a heavy toll on the popularity of President Enrique Peña Nieto. The scandals included Mexico’s first lady Angelica Rivero’s purchase on favorable terms of a $7 million house — now commonly known in Mexico as the “White House” — from a major government contractor.

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