This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-27772120
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Mexico mayor admits to stealing, but 'only a little' | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A former mayor of the town of San Blas, on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Nayarit, has admitted to stealing public money when he was in office. | A former mayor of the town of San Blas, on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Nayarit, has admitted to stealing public money when he was in office. |
"They say I stole a lot of money," said Hilario Ramirez while campaigning for a new term in office. | "They say I stole a lot of money," said Hilario Ramirez while campaigning for a new term in office. |
"I did steal, but it was only a little because the government was in crisis." | "I did steal, but it was only a little because the government was in crisis." |
Mexicans from the state of Nayarit are going to the polls in July to elect a new state congress and 20 mayors. | Mexicans from the state of Nayarit are going to the polls in July to elect a new state congress and 20 mayors. |
On the campaign trail, Mr Ramirez said he had stolen with one hand, but with the other hand given the money to the poor. | On the campaign trail, Mr Ramirez said he had stolen with one hand, but with the other hand given the money to the poor. |
"I've been criticised because they say I like money... but who doesn't like it," he told dozens of supporters listening to his campaign speech. | "I've been criticised because they say I like money... but who doesn't like it," he told dozens of supporters listening to his campaign speech. |
Mr Ramirez, who is running as an independent, said he enjoys work and is running for office again to show other mayors how to do it. | Mr Ramirez, who is running as an independent, said he enjoys work and is running for office again to show other mayors how to do it. |
He promised to sort out the financial crisis affecting the town on the Pacific coast. | He promised to sort out the financial crisis affecting the town on the Pacific coast. |
Mr Ramirez was first elected mayor of San Blas in 2008 for the conservative National Action Party (PAN). | Mr Ramirez was first elected mayor of San Blas in 2008 for the conservative National Action Party (PAN). |
He came to be known as "the generous mayor" because he handed out money to his supporters when he arrived at his swearing in ceremony. | He came to be known as "the generous mayor" because he handed out money to his supporters when he arrived at his swearing in ceremony. |
He was later accused of embezzling about $1.5 million (£892,000). | He was later accused of embezzling about $1.5 million (£892,000). |
Previous version
1
Next version