PAN demands removal of Mexico's Congressional Channel director over bias claims

Héctor Saúl Téllez, deputy coordinator for the PAN party, has called for the removal of Raúl Paz Alonso from his role as director of Mexico's Congressional Channel. The demand follows accusations that Paz Alonso used his position to promote President Claudia Sheinbaum's electoral reform on social media. Téllez claims the actions show clear political bias and violate the neutrality required for the post.

Téllez criticised Paz Alonso for openly supporting the government's reform agenda, arguing that such behaviour undermines the channel's impartiality. He described the director's public stance as ideologically driven and incompatible with the role's need for plural representation. The PAN deputy went further, suggesting Paz Alonso should resign if he wishes to participate in political debate or align with a party.

This is not the first time the Congressional Channel has faced scrutiny over neutrality. In 2019, similar concerns arose when opposition parties, including PAN and PRI, accused the channel of biased coverage favouring the ruling Morena party. At the time, management responded with internal audits and pledges to balance programming. Critics, however, pushed for independent oversight by the INAI and clearer rules on party airtime.

Téllez's call for Paz Alonso's removal highlights ongoing tensions over media neutrality in Mexico's political institutions. The dispute centres on whether the Congressional Channel's leadership can maintain impartiality while engaging in public political discourse. The outcome could affect how the channel is managed and monitored in future.