Introduction
Over the past year, Mexico has experienced a process of dismantling the division of powers and a regression in democracy under President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration. This article examines the implications of these developments and their effects on Mexico’s political landscape.
Consolidation of an Authoritarian Government
Claudia Sheinbaum’s government has successfully established an authoritarian regime by eliminating autonomous bodies, thereby paving the way for a more authoritarian system where the government holds the final say in any dispute. The manipulation of the judicial power selection process, imposing their loyalists through “accordion” methods, strikes not only at the division of powers but also at the rule of law itself. The recently approved amparo law undermines the non-retroactive nature of laws, going against Mexico’s Constitution.
Potential Future Reforms
It is possible that the worst is yet to come, with a potential electoral reform aimed at weakening opposition parties and ensuring a false majority for Morena. This reform may target reducing or eliminating plurinominal seats, attempt to control the INE through direct election of council members (similar to ministers, magistrates, and judges), and ultimately erode Mexico’s democratic electoral system.
Public Perception and Government Performance
Despite Sheinbaum’s 73% popularity rating, the public may not fully grasp the risks associated with granting excessive power to the state. While Sheinbaum has shown competence in administration, her leadership is overshadowed by López Obrador’s movement. Although not directly involved in recent corruption scandals, she has acted as a shield for those responsible.
Sheinbaum’s claims of progress are questionable given the daily violence, with 60 murders and a similar number of disappearances. Her security strategy has yielded some results, but Mexico remains far from being a safe country.
Economic and Employment Challenges
Sheinbaum’s government, like its predecessors, has ignored fundamental issues in education, healthcare, employment, poverty, and infrastructure. These long-standing problems have been neglected for decades without any substantial efforts to address them.
The economic growth under Sheinbaum’s first year is projected to be around 0.7%, with a forecast of 1.5% for the following year. The government’s reliance on the Plan México has not fostered confidence among domestic and foreign private investors due to its erosion of citizens’ rights and the rule of law.
Key Questions and Answers
- What has been the impact of Claudia Sheinbaum’s government on Mexico’s democracy? The administration has contributed to a regression in democracy by dismantling the division of powers, manipulating the judicial power selection process, and potentially implementing a reform that weakens opposition parties.
- How has Sheinbaum’s government performed in terms of public perception and policy implementation? Despite high popularity ratings, the government has faced criticism for not addressing fundamental issues in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Its economic performance has been modest, with limited private investment due to the erosion of citizens’ rights and the rule of law.
- What are the potential consequences of the current trends in Mexico’s political and economic landscape? If the current trajectory continues, Mexico may experience another lost decade in economic growth and employment. The neglect of critical issues and the concentration of power may further undermine democracy and security juridical for both entrepreneurs and citizens.
