Introduction
In the world of politics, power struggles are a common occurrence where rules of the game are unclear, and loyalties and betrayals shape daily life. Politicians, much like skilled poker players, hone their lying abilities with experience. This universal phenomenon is regulated in democracies through checks and balances, ranging from legal limitations to the role of media as investigators of power.
The Hegemonic Priism and Its Code of Conduct
Historically, the hegemonic Priism established a political conduct code to which all contenders adhered under the discipline of absolute presidentialism as the supreme and unappealable institution. However, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) and Morena’s attempt to reconstruct this model has failed.
Since AMLO stepped down from formal leadership of the country, party discipline and loyalty to the president have vanished. His successor constantly grapples with defining the boundaries between loyalty to the strongman and reaffirming her role as the country’s highest authority.
Internal Power Struggle in Morena
The power struggle has erupted within Morena, pitting a hardline faction loyal to the former president against others who base their bet on recognizing Sheinbaum’s power as the sole means of ensuring peaceful presidential successions within the new authoritarian regime.
Corruption Scandals and Lack of Self-Regulation
Corruption scandals are not confined to a single scapegoat for the excesses of the past administration, as seen in the PRI of the 1970s. Involving figures like Adán Augusto, AMLO’s children, and other Morena members along with Claudia’s cabinet, this situation represents a chaotic series of underhanded tactics without any control from the forces constituting Morena.
This irrational model of absolute power, despite possessing all domination instruments, fails to self-regulate because participants in the leadership dispute consider themselves irreplaceable and unwilling to negotiate. They dismiss both the opposition and those outside their group’s legitimacy within the movement.
Lack of Institutional Channels and Sectarian Positions
The absence of institutional channels to resolve differences, combined with sectarian positions inherited from the PRD and communist left, prevents addressing a serious issue: power struggles without pre-established rules or agreements.
Consequences for Mexico
This law of the jungle has grave consequences for a country already grappling with an unresolved security crisis, minimal economic growth, and a fading rule of law. This volatile mix awaits a spark to ignite an explosion, and they are playing with fire.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue in Mexico’s Morena Party? The central problem is an uncontrolled power struggle without pre-established rules or agreements, fueled by sectarian positions and the absence of institutional channels to resolve differences.
- Who are the key figures involved in the power struggle? Figures like Adán Augusto, AMLO’s children, Claudia’s cabinet members, and factions loyal to the former president or recognizing Sheinbaum’s power are central to this struggle.
- Why is this situation dangerous for Mexico? This chaotic power struggle, coupled with a failing security situation, minimal economic growth, and a weakening rule of law, creates an explosive mix that could destabilize the country further.
