Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Government: A Project for Mexico
July 6-9, 2016
About Mexico
In 2007, hundreds of police officers underwent a ‘trust test’ in order to begin combating corruption at the most basic level. An anti-corruption sweep in Mexico cleaned out 27 officials including mayors and judges that were suspected to be tied with drug trafficking [2]. In 2014, 43 students disappeared; Mexican citizens have been pressing for change and reform in the political system. Many believe that the corruption in the government is to blame for their disappearances [1]. The lack of initiative within the past two years has led to a plethora of unanswered questions, which only proves the problem of corruption and organized crime in Mexico. There has been countless protests urging the president to resign. Recently, however, there has been progress in transparency legislation at the federal level. Information about Public records and investigations are now more attainable to media and the public. It is imperative for Mexico to follow in this direction in order to overcome corruption and gain back the trust of their citizens.
About the Program
In 2007, hundreds of police officers underwent a ‘trust test’ in order to begin combating corruption at the most basic level. An anti-corruption sweep in Mexico cleaned out 27 officials including mayors and judges that were suspected to be tied with drug trafficking [2]. In 2014, 43 students disappeared; Mexican citizens have been pressing for change and reform in the political system. Many believe that the corruption in the government is to blame for their disappearances [1]. The lack of initiative within the past two years has led to a plethora of unanswered questions, which only proves the problem of corruption and organized crime in Mexico. There has been countless protests urging the president to resign. Recently, however, there has been progress in transparency legislation at the federal level. Information about Public records and investigations are now more attainable to media and the public. It is imperative for Mexico to follow in this direction in order to overcome corruption and gain back the trust of their citizens. The IVLP is a professional exchange program that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders. Over the last 70 years, the IVLP has developed into the premier professional exchange program in the U.S. and brings over 200 emerging leaders to Jacksonville every year.
[1] http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37460455
[2] http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37386582
