New study reveals the stunning cost of corruption in Yucatán

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The vast majority of Yucatecans surveyed agree that corruption is a growing issue in the state, and an expensive one at that. Photo: Courtesy

According to a new study by the INEGI, corruption in Yucatán costs the state 9.5 billion pesos a year, the highest in the entire country. 

When calculated on a per capita basis, this comes to a total of approximately 12,500 pesos per resident. 

These statistics stand in stark contrast to Yucatecans’ trust in their authorities, especially when contrasted with those of other states. 

But even on this front, the trend seems to be going in the wrong direction, as nearly 4% more of the population said they had less trust in their municipal and state authorities — when compared to last year.

Corruption is among the top citizen complaints in Yucatán. Low wages make employees with any authority susceptible to payoffs — which nationwide are thought to total hundreds of millions of pesos. 

Of those who claim to be victims of corruption, 71.5% say they don’t know the process to file a complaint.

Earlier: Over 70% in Yucatán agree that corruption is a serious problem

Among the authorities that Yucatecans report to have the least faith in are bureaucrats employed by tax and automotive control offices. 

People in Yucatán are also growing more suspicious of mega projects such as the recently announced new Mérida airport, which is widely thought to be unnecessary and intended mainly to benefit politically connected investors.

The results of this recent study come as bad news for Gov. Mauricio Vila Dosal, who is said to be preparing himself for a stab at the presidency. This is largely based on a platform of gains in transparency and good governance in Yucatán.

However, when it comes to public safety, Yucatán is in a league of its own when compared to much of the rest of Mexico, with violent crimes down over 60% when compared to last year.

Activists warn that these statistics should be taken with a grain of salt, as many crimes often go unreported.

Carlos Rosado van der Gracht
Carlos Rosado van der Gracht
Born in Mérida, Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican/Canadian blogger, photographer and adventure expedition leader. He holds degrees in multimedia, philosophy, and translation from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
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