CNN
Monday, July 12, 2004
Mexico's first lady rules
out run for presidency
MEXICO CITY, Mexico (Reuters) -- Mexico's controversial first lady,
Marta Sahagun, Monday ruled out running for president in 2006, ending
speculation that has gripped the country for weeks.
"I want to affirm that I will not be a candidate for the presidency of
the republic," Sahagun told reporters in a brief statement at the Los
Pinos presidential palace.
Earlier hints by Sahagun that she might try to replace her husband
President Vicente Fox when his term ends had angered the opposition and
even Fox's own National Action Party.
One of Fox's chief aides quit last week, claiming Sahagun's "political
flirtation" was getting in the way of running the country.
On a visit to Brazil last week, Fox was forced to deny that his
government was in crisis over his wife's political ambitions.
The first lady has won plaudits for her charity work, although the
attorney general is probing allegations that she used her influence to
channel money from the National Lottery to institutions supported by
her charitable foundation. She has denied the allegations.
Copyright 2004 Reuters.