Introduction
The assassination of Uruapan’s mayor, Carlos Manzo, on November 1 during a public celebration has shaken President Claudia Sheinbaum and her security strategy, including García Harfuch. This incident occurred at a particularly inopportune time, as the Mexican government is under close scrutiny by the United States.
Presidential Responses and Failed Strategies
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s initial response, blaming former presidents Felipe Calderón and Enrique Peña Nieto along with the press, and claiming that Manzo was protected by 14 Guardia Nacional agents, only worsened the situation. Ultimately, she proposed another plan, named Plan Michoacán, destined for failure like its predecessors.
A History of Unsuccessful Efforts
Why haven’t government strategies succeeded in pacifying Michoacán? This question should be asked by governments and citizens alike. After four six-year terms, numerous strategies, and actions, the criminal violence persists.
Felipe Calderón’s “War on Drugs”
In December 2006, facing accusations of electoral fraud, President Felipe Calderón initiated a “war” against drug trafficking using the military openly. At the request of then-Michoacán Governor Lázaro Cárdenas, this “war” began on December 11 of that year in both leaders’ native state. This action, called Operation Joint Michoacán, was widely praised by the Mexican political class and various media outlets as necessary and correct. It was fundamentally a police-military approach, aiming to occupy territory and capture or neutralize criminals.
The initiative initially succeeded, but the criminal organizations adapted, corrupted officials, and returned to their activities. Other actions during Calderón’s term had relatively positive impacts.
Peña Nieto’s Sophisticated Approach
Peña Nieto’s government took a more sophisticated approach. On February 13, 2014, he presented the Plan Michoacán, Juntos lo Vamos a Lograr, which combined law enforcement actions with social and economic measures to prevent violence through social actions, achieve community cohesion, and reconstruct social fabric. The strategy was implemented in Morelia, Apatzingán, Uruapan, and Lázaro Cárdenas.
As in the previous six-year term, the strategy worked for a time until criminal organizations adapted again. In desperation, Peña Nieto decided to arm self-defense groups, leading to more weapons in circulation and increased deaths.
López Obrador’s Inaction
Under López Obrador’s “hugs, not bullets” strategy, little was achieved. In October 2021, amid escalating violence, he launched the Plan of Support for Michoacán, reinforcing armed forces in Morelia and Uruapan. However, there were no positive outcomes.
Sheinbaum’s Challenges
President Sheinbaum promised to address extortion suffered by limoneros (lime producers) in her initial 100-day security strategy. Despite this, Bernardo Bravo, the limonero leader, was assassinated on October 19, dealing another blow to her strategy.
Sheinbaum’s New Plan: Michoacán for Peace and Justice
Sheinbaum has introduced a preview of the Plan Michoacán por la Paz y la Justicia, which aims to address violence’s root causes and strengthen the state’s presence through security, justice, economic development, and cultural actions.
This plan is expected to incorporate opinions from all Michoacán social sectors (without guaranteeing their consideration) to develop the document under three axes: Security and Justice, Economic Development with Justice, and Education and Culture. Like its predecessors, this plan will work temporarily before criminal organizations adapt.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the main challenges in Michoacán’s security? The persistent criminal violence, despite various government strategies over four six-year terms, indicates deep-rooted issues requiring comprehensive solutions.
- Why have previous strategies failed? These strategies often lacked long-term commitment, failed to address corruption, and did not effectively dismantle criminal organizations. Additionally, they often neglected social and economic development.
- What should the new plan, Plan Michoacán por la Paz y la Justicia, focus on? The plan should prioritize breaking impunity for politicians, businesspeople, officials, and others benefiting from criminal activity. It should also enforce the law against accomplices, stop the flow of weapons and money, and ensure a governor free from criminal ties.
