Background and Early Connections
Thirty-three years ago marked the beginning of a growing distance between Alejandro Armenta and Ignacio Mier, both once active members of the PRI. Born in different towns – Armenta in Izúcar de Matamoros and Mier in Tecamachalco – the cousins shared a connection through their families’ longstanding presence in Acatzingo, an ancient lordship where the Mier family built their stronghold.
Alejandro Armenta, now the governor of Puebla, was raised by his maternal grandmother Cholula following his parents’ divorce. At 21, with limited political experience beyond his FJR municipal activism during the 1992 elections won by Manuel Bartlett, Armenta found support from his maternal grandfather to lead a slate of local officials in a plebiscite to replace the disputed municipal elections. Among his supporters was Ignacio Mier, who would later be placed in the local Congress during elections where the PRI maintained control over all majority districts.
Political Evolution and Current Situation
Over the years, their familial bond has been extensively discussed. Two years ago, both Armenta and Mier sought the Morena candidacy for Puebla, supported by their familial ties and political alliances. However, they eventually settled their differences due to polling data and the party’s need for a unified front heading into future elections.
Ignacio Mier Velasco, backed by Adán Augusto López Hernández, has embarked on a gubernatorial tour under the migrant banner, openly expressing his intentions to return to the ballot – potentially in 2027 or 2030. Meanwhile, Armenta Mier, who assumed office just ten months ago, has firmly stated his opposition to any family members participating in upcoming elections.
Morena’s Anti-Nepotism Stance and Electoral Reforms
Morena’s statutes explicitly prohibit nepotism, and an impending electoral reform may eliminate consecutive reelection. Consequently, Mier Velasco could only seek a local position within two years. However, Armenta Mier has explicitly forbidden any relatives from participating in future elections, stating, “Perhaps if they go to the Civil Registry and change their last name… that would be the only way.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the historical background of Alejandro Armenta and Ignacio Mier’s relationship? – The cousins have known each other since childhood, with their families sharing deep roots in Acatzingo. Their political paths diverged as Armenta joined the FJR, while Mier remained in the PRI.
- What led to their political differences? – Their divergent paths in political parties and personal ambitions created a rift between them. However, they reconciled temporarily to secure Morena’s gubernatorial candidacy in Puebla.
- What are Morena’s stances on nepotism and reelection? – Morena explicitly opposes nepotism, and an upcoming electoral reform may eliminate consecutive reelection. This leaves Mier Velasco with limited options for future political participation.
- How has Armenta Mier addressed familial ties in the political sphere? – Armenta Mier has firmly stated that no relatives, including Miers, should participate in future elections, emphasizing his commitment to Morena’s anti-nepotism policies.
