The political landscape in Mexico is witnessing a significant move away from the reforms established during the administration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), drawing parallels to practices from the PRI era of the 1970s. This analysis outlines the major changes occurring and their potential effects on governance.
At the core of this situation is the concept of autonomous agencies, which were created to balance governmental power, ensuring effective regulation and oversight. These agencies have legal independence, budgetary control, and operational autonomy, rendering them unanswerable to other governmental authorities, including the presidency. This independence can be at risk when there are attempts to centralize power. Each autonomous agency has specific responsibilities, such as the Bank of Mexico (BANXICO), which is tasked with maintaining currency stability, the National Institute for Transparency (INAI), which promotes governmental accountability, and the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), which regulates telecommunications to prevent monopolies.
The current administration is reportedly targeting at least seven of these agencies, citing ineffectiveness and excessive costs as justification. The administration proposes reallocating their budgets to support pensions and social programs, but evidence suggests these funds are often utilized by the MORENA party to cultivate political allegiance.
One significant target is INAI, the institution charged with fostering transparency and accountability. Disbanding INAI and similar agencies would empower the government to operate without restraint, indicating a desire to eliminate obstacles to the MORENA party’s agenda. While the National Electoral Institute (INE) appears to be under control without direct threats, efforts to reform Banxico are anticipated to be minimal, as drastic changes could lead to hyperinflation.
In a healthy democracy, it is essential that the executive, legislative, and judicial branches function independently to ensure checks and balances. Recently, the INE approved a qualified majority for MORENA in the Chamber of Deputies, which already holds a significant majority in the Senate. Although they fell short by three legislators of achieving a formal qualified majority, it is likely that they will secure it due to negotiations involving financial incentives to sway opposition senators towards their legislative goals.
Recent developments have seen two senators from the PRD defect to MORENA, with the expectation that more, including members of the PRI, will join, thereby strengthening MORENA’s control in the Senate. This consolidation allows proposed reforms to progress swiftly with majority support. Additionally, the delayed appointment of Noroña as President of the Senate further solidifies MORENA’s influence over legislation.
A pressing concern is the proposed reform of the Judicial Power, which has significant implications for democratic governance. This reform, approved recently, aims to limit the judiciary’s role as a counterbalance to the executive branch, effectively making it an extension of presidential authority. Previously, the judiciary had been a key institution resisting AMLO’s reforms, but the upcoming changes threaten to dismantle this independence.
In contrast to other nations grappling with drug trafficking, the current Mexican administration has faced criticism for its soft approach. AMLO’s “hugs, not bullets” strategy has been interpreted as providing de facto protection to drug cartels, garnering substantial electoral backing but at a considerable societal cost.
As the incoming president prepares for a term aligned with AMLO’s policies, the emphasis remains on domestic challenges. For voters in Mexico, these political developments underscore the need for active participation to forestall a regression towards authoritarianism.
The diminishing of institutional checks and the centralization of power in the executive branch pose a grave danger to democratic integrity and transparency. It is crucial for voters to stay informed and engaged, advocating for the maintenance of autonomous institutions and resisting reforms that threaten democratic values.
The underlying issue, however, is that many in the Mexican populace appear passive and unmotivated to seek change. Increased public awareness and civic engagement are vital to hold the government accountable and uphold democratic norms. An active and informed electorate can effect policy changes and safeguard the integrity of Mexico’s political and judicial systems during these critical times. Nonetheless, this level of engagement seems absent at present.