Mexico senators propose law change to curb presidential impunity

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Reuters

DECEMBER 6, 2017 / 10:17 PM / UPDATED AN HOUR AGO

Noe Torres

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - A group of Mexican opposition senators proposed a constitutional reform on Wednesday that would enable a sitting president to face trial for corruption for up to three years after leaving office, in a bid to bolster the fight against graft.

Mechanisms exist under the constitution to prosecute public officials, from senators to state governors and supreme court judges, via impeachment and removal from office.

However, the constitution does not provide for impeachment of the president and mandates that the incumbent can only be put on trial for treason and serious crimes, such as murder.

“You can’t even touch the president with a rose petal,” said Juan Carlos Romero Hicks, a member of the centre-right National Action Party and one of five senators behind the initiative.

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[Nitram]

1. I suppose Trump made them realize what can happen if a president has immunity.

A cautionary tale.