Introduction
A common topic of discussion was the gathering at the Zócalo to hear President Claudia Sheinbaum’s message after visiting 30 Mexican states. However, it undeniably showcased the mobilization power of Morena governors and the party’s political structures in control.
Political Elite and Loyalty
At the podium and in preferred spots were those leading the new elites, aware that aligning with Morena or maintaining good relations will be crucial for many, much like the PRI’s approach throughout the 20th century.
President Sheinbaum reaffirmed her loyalty to former President López Obrador, stating, “they won’t separate us,” and attributed such intentions to conservative right-wing forces. She maintained a past-oriented vision, focusing on “the revolution of consciences,” rather than looking towards a challenging and uncertain future.
Zero Tolerance to Corruption?
Two events coincided last week. First, the federal government announced the removal of the Federal Civil Aviation Agency’s director, General Miguel Enríquez Vallín, after traveling with other officials on a private plane and registering a false name on the flight plan.
Second, investigative journalism revealed that federal authorities received corruption allegations from agency-regulated personnel and initiated an investigation.
The appointment of retired pilot and general Emilio Avendaño as the new director could signal the government’s commitment to zero tolerance for corruption during its term. However, it remains to be seen if this signal translates into prosecutions.
Mandatory Voting Proposal
National Electoral Institute consejera Claudia Zavala Pérez proposed making voting mandatory, aiming to strengthen citizen participation in elections.
This would require constitutional reforms, not only making voting obligatory but also establishing a mechanism to penalize those who fail to comply with the law.
The proposal raises concerns, as voter turnout was 78% in 1994 and only 60% in the 2024 election, despite López Obrador’s landslide victory with 30 million votes. How can one penalize 40 million potential voters? This is a question worth pondering.
Miscellaneous Notes
A lesson on how the current amparo law functions, delivered by a federal judge often criticized, involved granting a provisional amparo to Admiral Fernando Farías, entangled in a massive tax-evasion scheme. Farías failed to appear at the initial hearing and denied the amparo…
It’s intriguing that Japan’s ruling party chose a hardline prime minister…
Mexico has struggled to explain disappearances to a UN organization demanding action on this grave issue…
As Paul Ambrose Valéry once said, “the problem of our time is that the future is no longer what it was.”
