Mexican Journalist Says President Peña Nieto Backed Her Firing

Acclaimed Mexican journalist Carmen Aristegui suggested Thursday that her dismissal could only have come with the Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto's blessing.

Aristegui was fired Sunday following a controversy over the dismissal of two journalists from her investigative team.

Her former employer, MVS, said the journalist was fired because they would not tolerate her ultimatum demanding the rehiring of her colleagues as a condition to continue her radio show, which is the most listened to in Mexico.

However, when asked by a reporter if she believed her dismissal had been orchestrated by Pena Nieto's office, the 51-year-old said, "It looks that way because I can't imagine something of this magnitude without at least some kind of consent from the highest presidential power."

Last year, Aristegui and her team revealed that Peña Nieto and his wife purchased a luxurious house owned by a major government contractor with ties to the president.

That revelation, dubbed the white house scandal, prompted accusations of corruption and caused a major headache for the Mexican president who was already facing heavy criticism over his handling of the case of the 43 forcibly disappeared students from Ayotzinapa.

Aristegui stated that she had a cordial relationship with the Vargas family, owners of MVS, and that their recent behavior came as a surprise to her. “Who asked them to do this? What is behind all this?” asked Aristegui.

Aristegui added that she believes her coverage of the white house scandal is the real reason she was fired.

Officially the Mexican government, through a statement from the Interior Ministry, urged MVS and Aristegui to resolve their differences.

However, Aristegui's dismissal came shortly after Peña Nieto promoted Eduardo Sanchez to director for Social Communication for the Presidency of the Republic in an effort to improve his image domestically. Sanchez, a long-time ally of the president and his party, previously worked for MVS, Aristegui's former employer.

Critics of Peña Nieto point to her removal as further proof that he is cracking down on dissent.

"We want to return to broadcasting so that we can continue producing journalism and continue providing a service to Mexican society," Aristegui said.

In a video posted online, Aristegui said she was still interested in negotiating her reinstatement but said she was willing to pursue legal means if necessary.

A spokesperson for MVS insisted Thursday that Aristegui would not be reinstated and rejected the accusation that she was fired for her coverage of the scandal surrounding the Mexican president. The MVS spokesperson refused to take questions from reporters after making his remarks.

Her dismissal promoted an international outcry of support for the famed journalist.