A Morena congressman defended Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, who has been in the spotlight during the last week. He rejected opposition calls for her to step down, and accused former Governor Jaime Bonilla of fueling the controversy surrounding recently leaked audio recordings.
Juan Manuel Molina commented on Avila Olmeda’s allegations that Bonilla was responsible for the recordings, saying there is no need for the governor to request a leave of absence.
Congressman rejects requests for governor to step aside
Molina argued that Avila Olmeda’s case is not comparable to that of Chihuahua Governor María Eugenia “Maru” Campos, which the opposition has cited. He said the leaked recordings concern a personal matter involving the governor’s U.S. visa rather than an issue affecting national security.
Responding to allegations that Avila Olmeda offered to share information from the state’s security coordination meetings, Molina said the information discussed in those meetings is public and does not include classified material, confidential information or ongoing criminal investigations.
Criticism of Jaime Bonilla
The Morena congressman also questioned Bonilla’s criticism of Avila Olmeda, noting that the former governor had met with her about a year ago, even publicly praising her.
Molina also questioned what he described as Bonilla’s political inconsistencies, noting that Montserrat Caballero, the prospective gubernatorial candidate for the Partido del Trabajo (Workers’ Party), previously accused Bonilla and other party leaders of gender-based political violence.
He also referred to one of the recently leaked recording, as he said it appears to include Bonilla’s voice in the background, arguing that it supports the governor’s claim that Bonilla was involved in the plot.
Governor’s administration remains strong
Molina said Morena has no plans to ask Avila Olmeda to take a leave of absence, adding that her administration continues to have public support.
He said the governor’s administration has produced positive results and still has significant work to complete during the remainder of her term.
