A powerful business leader is taking a stand against the government, sparking a major political fight. Ricardo Salinas, one of Mexico’s richest men, has launched a new movement. It aims to battle crime and corruption within the government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum. This move comes as his companies face huge tax debt claims, which he strongly denies.
Salinas shared his plans for this new citizen effort. He spoke about promoting life, private property, and freedom. While he avoided naming President Sheinbaum directly, his message was clear. His business empire is currently battling accusations of owing MXN 74 billion in taxes. That’s about USD 4 billion. Salinas has publicly called these claims false and a political attack. Soon, he will launch a website for supporters to sign up. They will vow not to steal, kill, or lie, though he hasn’t detailed future actions or political ambitions yet.
Salinas Makes His Stand Before Independence Day
Ricardo Salinas is a major player in Mexico’s economy. He runs a vast group of companies, including the electronics chain Elektra. His empire also includes important banks and broadcasting firms. He made his announcement in a video posted online just hours before Mexico’s Independence Day, on September 16, 2025.
In the video, Salinas stood beside his wife. A Mexican flag and a picture of the Virgin of Guadalupe were behind them. He called his initiative a necessary action against a government he sees as criminal and corrupt. “Our Mexico is in the hands of a dangerous government,” he stated with strong emotion. For those unfamiliar with Mexican politics, Salinas is a conservative voice. His views often go against the Morena party, which has been in power since 2018. His movement tries to bring together citizens worried about public safety and government secrecy. Bloomberg noted that this effort starts amid growing tensions. Business leaders and the executive branch are increasingly at odds.
🚨🇲🇽 SALINAS vs SHEINBAUM: magnate lanza movimiento
Juramento: no robar, no matar, no mentir
Disputa fiscal MXN 74,000 mdp; él lo niega
Patriotismo y medios presionan al gobierno pic.twitter.com/dhp7Wj46UC
— Diario฿itcoin (@Blaze Trends)
Salinas highlighted important ideas like life, private property, and freedom. He criticized a “perverse” and “communist” way of thinking. This message resonates with business circles. Many see his campaign as a moral alternative to the current situation.
¡¡¡Es momento de unirnos por un México próspero!!!
Mi esposa, , y yo estamos convencidos de que todos merecemos vivir en un país en paz y sin corrupción; un país donde el gobierno no esté aliado con los delincuentes y donde, al menos, se nos garantice vivir… pic.twitter.com/f7DHtWpK3P
— Don Ricardo Salinas Pliego (@RicardoBSalinas)
The timing of his announcement was no accident. Independence Day brings up strong feelings of national pride. Salinas used these symbols to gather support. His wife by his side showed family unity in this battle. This personal touch added warmth to an otherwise aggressive political statement.
Tax Fights Fuel the Conflict
Salinas’s announcement comes during government accusations against his companies. Authorities claim his businesses owe MXN 74 billion in unpaid taxes. This amount is roughly USD 4 billion. He firmly denies this, calling it political targeting.
President Sheinbaum has used her daily press conferences to pressure Salinas. She argues that everyone must pay their debts, no exceptions. This public fight shows the friction between private business and the government under the Morena party. For those new to Mexican tax issues, the system requires timely payments to the Treasury. Cases like this involve audits and possible asset seizures. Salinas insists his companies comply with tax laws. The case is now with the Judicial Branch, which Sheinbaum recently reformed.
In July 2025, the head of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation told Bloomberg that tax cases need clear resolutions. He did not directly talk about Salinas’s case. However, his stance highlights the independence of the courts. This adds more layers to the dispute, as the president pushed for the new judicial system.
Salinas has faced this kind of pressure before. He sees these actions as attempts to silence him. His new campaign could become a platform for his public defense. Representatives for Grupo Salinas did not reply to Bloomberg’s requests for comments. The amount of money in question is massive. MXN 74 billion is a significant slice of Mexico’s economy. If confirmed, it would impact his retail and financial operations. Salinas stands by his innocence as the legal process continues.
Details of the Opposition Movement
Salinas plans to launch a website soon. People who agree with his ideas can sign up there. Members will pledge “not to steal, not to kill, and not to lie.” He hasn’t given specific details on what activities the movement will do. He also hasn’t said if it will become a political party.
This pledge sounds like basic ethical rules. But in Mexico, it speaks to real problems like cartel violence and widespread corruption. For those unfamiliar with local politics, Mexico faces high murder rates. Also, tax scandals reduce public trust in the government.
Salinas has previously said it’s too early to decide on a presidential run. Elections are in 2030, which is still a long way off. His movement might grow into something more structured. Bloomberg pointed out that his immediate plans are not clear. Sheinbaum’s office did not comment right away on Salinas’s announcement. This leaves room for guesses about the official response. In past conferences, she has openly criticized Salinas over his tax issues.
Salinas’s video quickly gained many views online. He invites Mexicans to unite against crime and corruption. This call aims to cross social divides. It appeals to a shared sense of national pride. In a country that is quite divided, actions like this could lead to change. Salinas, with his media power through TV Azteca, amplifies his message. Experts see this as a direct challenge to the Morena party’s leadership.
What This Means for Mexico’s Economy and Politics
Grupo Salinas provides thousands of jobs in retail and banking. Elektra is a key player in electronics sales across Latin America. Any final decision on the tax dispute would impact the company’s stability. For those interested in new tech like blockchain and cryptocurrencies, there’s a connection. Salinas has explored fintech in his banks, with digital payments that compete with stablecoins. His opposition could influence future rules for virtual assets in Mexico.
Sheinbaum, a scientist by training, focuses on social reforms. Her government faces criticism because insecurity continues to be a problem. Bloomberg reports that recent surveys show 74% of Mexicans see corruption as a major issue.
Salinas’s movement might inspire other wealthy business owners. Similar to how individual investors challenge big companies in meme stocks and AI, citizens here could question centralized power. This enriches the discussion about clear government. Mexico is going through changes. The judicial election of 2025, supported by Sheinbaum, aims to make justice more democratic. Cases like Salinas’s will test how well it works. He expects a fair decision.
In short, this campaign marks a bold step for Salinas. It mixes business and politics in a complex way. What happens next will depend on the government’s reactions and legal progress. The video ends with an urgent plea. “Mexicans, enough with this criminal and corrupt government!” Salinas exclaimed. His passionate tone captures a widespread national frustration.