Alejandro Gertz Manero, Mexico's former attorney general, recently disclosed his financial assets in a public filing. The filing lists 10 houses, seven cars including two Rolls-Royces, jewelry valued at over $1 million, and an art collection worth nearly $500,000.

Gertz Manero reported bank accounts in Mexico, the U.S., Spain, and Switzerland. He owns a property in the U.S. valued at over $1 million and a flat in Madrid purchased for €1 million. One of his Rolls-Royces is valued at $150,000.

In the public filing, Gertz Manero stated that many of his assets were inherited. He is a member of the Morena party, which has a motto of "For the good of all, first the poor."

Public policy expert Viri Ríos, director of Mexico Decoded, stated that Morena had "made a strategic error in associating all types of wealth with a lack of morality." Ríos added, "If that's going to be your position, then from the beginning you must prevent anyone who is very wealthy from joining the movement." She also observed that Morena "have associated themselves with austerity historically as part of their political platform."

Former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a close ally of Gertz Manero, advocated for "Franciscan austerity." López Obrador reduced his own salary and gave up the presidential residence and private jet. Last year, Morena issued new party guidelines advocating for "austerity," which state that "displays of material ostentation such as jewellery, designer clothing, high-value properties or cars, luxury restaurants or tourism" run counter to its principles.

Why It Matters

The financial disclosures of Alejandro Gertz Manero follow his public filing of extensive assets. These disclosures come as his political affiliation with the Morena party, which officially advocates for austerity, places a focus on adherence to party principles regarding material wealth. The reported assets include properties, vehicles, and international holdings, which contrasts with the party's expressed stance against ostentatious displays of wealth.

The situation presents a tension between the personal wealth of a party member and the public image and stated values of a political party. The Morena party's guidelines explicitly advise against displays of high-value possessions, a position reinforced by comments from public policy experts.