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Mounting tax debts, open conflicts with Mexico's next president, and escalating public criticism signal the unraveling of Ricardo Salinas Pliego's business and political influence
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Grupo Salinas Empire Crumbling Under Tax Load
Grupo Salinas Empire Crumbling Under Tax Load
MEXICO CITY - July 15, 2025 - PRLog -- The outlook for Mexican businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego and his conglomerate Grupo Salinas has grown increasingly bleak. Beyond the crushing weight of escalating tax debts, Salinas is now grappling with a sharp drop in political support and rising public outrage over his conduct.

Tax debts reach critical levels

Recent court rulings have forced Grupo Salinas and its subsidiaries to pay massive outstanding tax debts to Mexico's tax authority (SAT). In just one case, Salinas was ordered to pay over 7 billion pesos in back taxes. Meanwhile, TV Azteca must pay an additional 3.5 billion pesos for unpaid contributions.

In total, Salinas's consolidated tax liabilities are now approaching 74 billion pesos—a figure that analysts note may exceed the real liquid value of his assets, casting serious doubt on the viability of his business empire.

Clashes with political leadership

Rather than finding allies, Salinas Pliego is encountering direct criticism from Mexico's top leadership. President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum recently condemned Salinas's verbal attacks on journalists, calling them a form of violence. "We cannot normalize a billionaire attacking the press simply because he doesn't like their questions," she warned.

At the same time, instead of addressing his tax situation transparently, Salinas chose to lash out at PEMEX on social media, trying to divert attention from his own tax problems—an approach that has only strained his relationship with the public sector further.

A decline that goes beyond finances

This combination of setbacks—financial, political, and reputational—has fueled the perception of a deepening structural decline at Salinas Pliego's group. Public and market confidence appear to be waning just as lawsuits multiply and accusations grow over aggressive tactics against competitors and critics alike.

As court proceedings advance and political scrutiny tightens, an unavoidable question emerges: can Ricardo Salinas Pliego withstand the combined weight of mounting financial obligations, reputational damage, and political isolation?

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