Sheinbaum Says Ex-CFE Chief Bartlett Made Routine Private Visit to Palace

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Thursday that former Federal Electricity Commission chief Manuel Bartlett visited Mexico’s presidential palace a day earlier for a private meeting with a former colleague now working in the Office of the Legal Counsel. Sheinbaum told reporters during her regular morning press conference that Bartlett’s presence at Palacio Nacional was unrelated to government business and that “there is nothing wrong” with the visit. Bartlett arrived at the palace around midday on Wednesday while the president was attending an event in Nezahualcóyotl, State of Mexico. Sheinbaum added that the historic complex hosts numerous government offices and that visitors regularly enter to meet with officials on personal matters. She dismissed speculation over Bartlett’s political role, noting that he arrived, met the staff member and left without engaging with her administration.