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Mexico’s outgoing president speaks of mansion scandal

August 31, 2018 GMT

FILE - In this Dec. 3, 2014 file photo, Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto and first lady Angelica Rivera embrace during a signing ceremony for a new law that further protects children at Los Pinos presidential residence in Mexico City. In November 2014, an investigative team run by journalist Carmen Aristegui reported that Pena Nieto's wife was buying a mansion with financing from a builder who had received state government contracts while he was governor. Pena Nieto released a short video about the case Friday, Aug. 31, 2018 . (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File)

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s outgoing President Enrique Pena Nieto says a scandal early in his administration was perfectly legal, but he understands the impact it had on his government’s credibility.

In November 2014, an investigative team run by journalist Carmen Aristegui reported that Pena Nieto’s wife was buying a mansion with financing from a builder who had received state government contracts while he was governor.

First Lady Angelica Rivera said she had money to buy the house from her career as a soap opera star, but returned it to avoid any controversy.

Along with 43 students who disappeared in September 2014, the so-called “White House” scandal was a major stain that marked Pena Nieto’s early administration as corrupt.

Pena Nieto released a short video about the case Friday.