Enrique Peña Nieto, Mexico’s 64th president (2012–2018), remains one of the country’s most controversial political figures. Known for his carefully crafted image, his connections to the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), and his tumultuous presidency, Peña Nieto continues to attract scrutiny even years after leaving office.
As of 2025, Enrique Peña Nieto’s net worth is estimated at $20 million. His wealth comes primarily from real estate holdings, investments, political pensions, and his ties to influential networks of Mexican elites. His financial standing has long been a source of speculation due to accusations of corruption, questionable contracts, and alleged cartel bribes, though many of these allegations have never been formally proven in court.
Net Worth and Wealth Disclosures
Peña Nieto’s personal wealth has fluctuated over the years, particularly during his time in office:
- 2014 Disclosure:
He declared a net worth of 45 million pesos (about $3.3 million USD at the time) with an income of 3.4 million pesos ($180,000 USD). His portfolio included: Four houses, An apartment, Land parcels, Jewelry and art coins - Estimated Net Worth (2025):
Analysts place his fortune around $20 million USD, though some investigative reports suggest his wealth could be higher when factoring in offshore holdings and assets linked to his ex-wife, Angélica Rivera.
This makes Peña Nieto wealthier than most ex-Mexican presidents but far behind the ultra-rich elites of the country.
Salary as President of Mexico
During his presidency (2012–2018), Enrique Peña Nieto earned:
- Monthly Salary: 208,000 pesos (approximately $11,000 USD per month at the time).
- Annual Salary: Roughly $132,000 USD, not including benefits and official allowances.
While modest compared to presidential salaries in wealthier nations, critics argued that Peña Nieto’s lifestyle—including luxury residences and international travel—far exceeded what his official salary could justify.
The $7 Million Mansion Scandal
One of the most infamous controversies of his administration revolved around the so-called “Casa Blanca” scandal.
- In 2014, it was revealed that Angélica Rivera, Peña Nieto’s wife and former soap opera star, owned a $7 million mansion in one of Mexico City’s wealthiest neighborhoods.
- The mansion was tied to Juan Armando Hinojosa Cantú, a construction tycoon who had received over $3.5 billion in government contracts, often without competitive bidding.
- Rivera initially claimed the house was bought with her acting salary and a $10 million severance package from Televisa, her longtime employer. However, media investigations questioned whether her income could support such a purchase.
Facing backlash, Rivera later sold her interest in the mansion to avoid conflicts of interest. The scandal became a symbol of corruption and privilege in Peña Nieto’s presidency, severely damaging his popularity.Alleged $100 Million Bribe from El Chapo
In 2019, during the U.S. trial of drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, testimony from one of El Chapo’s former associates alleged that:
- The same witness claimed Peña Nieto’s predecessor, Felipe Calderón, had also received cartel bribes.
While never officially proven, the accusations reinforced public perceptions of Peña Nieto’s administration as deeply compromised by organized crime.
Early Life and Education
- Born: July 20, 1966, in Altacomulco, State of Mexico.
- Parents: Gilberto Enrique Peña del Mazo (electrical engineer) and María del Perpetuo Socorro Ofelia Nieto Sánchez (schoolteacher).
- Peña Nieto’s family was politically connected, with several relatives serving as governors of the State of Mexico.
- He studied in both Mexico and the U.S., spending a year at Denis Hall School in Maine to learn English.
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from Panamerican University.
- MBA from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM).
His upbringing in the PRI-dominated Altacomulco political circle virtually guaranteed him a pathway into politics.
Rise in Mexican Politics
Peña Nieto joined the PRI at age 18 in 1984. His early career included:
- Serving as secretary to influential politician Arturo Montiel Rojas.
- Rising through state-level roles in the State of Mexico, one of the PRI’s most powerful strongholds.
- Elected Governor of the State of Mexico (2005–2011).
As governor, he gained popularity by promoting public works projects, including:
- Highways and road infrastructure.
- The Suburban Railway of the Valley of Mexico Metropolitan Area.
- Healthcare investments that reduced preventable deaths.
This success boosted his national profile and set the stage for his 2012 presidential campaign.
Presidency (2012–2018)
Election Victory
- Won the presidency in 2012 with 38% of the vote.
- His victory was marred by accusations of electoral fraud and widespread protests.
Domestic Policies
Peña Nieto launched reforms under the Pact for Mexico, a multi-party agreement designed to push through structural changes. Key initiatives included:
- Energy Reform: Opened Mexico’s oil and gas sector to private and foreign investment.
- Education Reform: Introduced teacher evaluations and sought to modernize the education system.
- Telecom Reform: Attempted to break monopolies in telecommunications.
Failures and Controversies
Despite early optimism, his presidency became defined by scandals and insecurity:
Approval Ratings
- Entered office with about 50% approval.
- Fell to 12% in 2017, among the lowest for any modern Mexican president.
- Left office in 2018 with 18% approval and 77% disapproval.
Post-Presidency Life
After leaving office in December 2018, Peña Nieto has largely kept a low profile. He faced ongoing investigations into corruption and misuse of power, though none have yet resulted in formal convictions.
His reputation remains deeply tarnished, and historians generally view his presidency as one of the least successful in modern Mexican history.
Real Estate Holdings
Peña Nieto and Angélica Rivera disclosed multiple properties:
- Key Biscayne Condo (Florida): Purchased by Rivera in 2005 for $1.775 million; worth about $3.3 million in 2014. Paid off just 46 days after marrying Peña Nieto in 2011.
- Properties in Mexico: Four houses and one apartment declared in his wealth disclosure.
- Jewelry & Art Coins: Valued at several hundred thousand dollars.
These assets contribute to his current $20 million fortune.
Personal Life
- First Marriage: In 1993, married Mónica Pretelini, with whom he had three children: Paulina, Alejandro, and Nicole.
- Pretelini died in 2007 from an epileptic episode.
- Peña Nieto fathered two children outside of marriage, one of whom died as an infant.
- Second Marriage: In 2011, married Angélica Rivera, a Televisa actress. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2019, shortly after he left office.
Enrique Peña Nieto’s presidency promised modernization and reform but instead became synonymous with corruption, cartel violence, and political scandals. While his net worth of $20 million places him among Mexico’s wealthy elites, it is his damaged reputation—not his fortune—that defines his legacy.
For many Mexicans, Peña Nieto represents the decay of the PRI system and the urgent need for transparency in governance.