Mexico’s finance minister, Jose Antonio Meade, resigned from his post on Monday, fueling speculation that he intends to run for the presidency under the ruling PRI party in next year’s election.
Pemex CEO, Jose Antonio Gonzalez Anaya, will leave the state-run energy company to replace Meade, according to an address from Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.
Speaking from his Los Pinos residence, Pena Nieto thanked Meade for his efforts, but did not confirm if the finance minister intended to run for office.
“Many congratulations, Pepe, and best of luck,” Pena Nieto said, in reference to Meade. He took on the role in September last year after former finance minister Luis Videgaray stepped down. Meade had previously been head of the finance ministry, SHCP, from September 2011 to November 2012, under former President Felipe Calderon.
If successfully nominated as PRI candidate, Meade would face-off against rival Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in a July election.
At Pemex, Gonzalez Anaya will be replaced by Carlos Trevino, who has served as the state-run energy company’s chief administration officer, under Anaya. His appointment is viewed as a continuation of Anaya’s company strategy to carry out a five-year plan that involves asset sales and production partnerships.