According to reports from Berlin and Brussels, PAN national leader Jorge Romero Herrera faced sharp internal criticism and official pushback from Morena while conducting a European tour during the formal opening of Mexico’s 2027 electoral process at the National Electoral Institute (INE). While Romero broadcast video messages from European streets on Thursday, criticizing the federal government and claiming the country is heading toward autoritarism, party members and government officials alike questioned the timing of his absence from Mexico.
The Brussels and Berlin Tour Schedule
Romero’s international itinerary began on Monday, September 7, in Brussels, where he met with European Parliament members from the Partido Popular, an international ally of the PAN. According to statements released during the tour, the delegation held discussions with the Centro Wilfried Martens para Estudios Europeos, the Fundación Konrad Adenauer, and the Comisión de Asuntos Exteriores del Parlamento Europeo. They also met with Juan Salafranca, secretary general adjunto of the bancada del Partido Popular Europeo, and Dolors Montserrat, secretary general of the PPE.
During the meetings, Dolors Montserrat posted on social media that the European Union would not remain indifferent to the narcopolítica surrounding Morena. Mariana Gómez del Campo, the PAN’s secretary of international affairs, stated that the intense tour allowed the party to build international alliances and protest institutional weakening in Mexico. In Berlín, Romero met with Klaus Schüler, a political and electoral strategist for the Unión Demócrata Cristiana, to exchange strategies regarding campaigns and communication.
Did You Know? During their stop at the European Parliament, the PAN delegation posed for a photograph to denounce the arrest of former Baja California governor Ernesto Ruffo, who faced accusations from the Mexican government of leading a fiscal fuel-smuggling (huachicol) network.
Internal Party Friction and INE Absence
The timing of the European tour coincided directly with the start of the 2027 electoral process at the INE on Thursday. Members of the PAN’s Permanent Commission expressed frustration over the trip, with anonymous sources describing it as an “inutile e inoportuno” decision made during a critical campaign launch. Party insiders noted that Romero’s ongoing trip compounded concerns regarding a lack of clear political strategy for upcoming alliances.
The physical absence of the party leader at the INE was pronounced. Although former Senator Roberto Gil Zuarth arrived at the General Council session representing Romero, he lacked official accreditation as a party representative and could not take part in the debate. Meanwhile, Morena leader Ariadna Montiel and PRI national leader Alejandro “Alito” Moreno used the protocol session to position their respective parties for the 2027 mid-term elections.
Official Reaction from the Federal Government
President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the opposition’s trip during her remarks, asserting that opponents consistently seek foreign interference to counter the Fourth Transformation. She noted the symbolism of traveling to Europe precisely as domestic election preparations began and as the nation approaches the celebration of the Grito de Independencia.
Legislators and leaders from Morena joined in the criticism, mocking the opposition’s distance from domestic reality. Officials drew comparisons to recent trips made by PRI leader Alejandro Moreno to the United States, where he accused Morena of operating as a narcopartido. Despite the widespread public and political mockery, Romero concluded his trip by reiterating via social media that his primary commitment remains rooted in Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Jorge Romero’s European tour begin?
According to the reports, the tour started on Monday, September 7, in Bruselas before moving on to Berlín.
Why was Roberto Gil Zuarth unable to participate in the INE debate?
Although Gil attended the General Council session representing Jorge Romero, he was not officially accredited as a party representative and therefore could not take part in the debate.
Which European officials met with the PAN delegation in Brussels?
The delegation met with Juan Salafranca, secretary general adjunto of the bancada del Partido Popular Europeo, and Dolors Montserrat, secretary general of the PPE, alongside representatives from European think tanks and parliamentary committees.
How will the timing of this European tour influence political alliances within the opposition ahead of the 2027 mid-term elections?
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