Background on Key Figures and Relevance
The Mexican Senate, in a nearly unanimous vote (only four abstentions), approved two decrees ratifying 314 promotions across various naval ranks in the Mexican Navy, Army, Air Force, and National Guard. These promotions were initially granted by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and subsequently forwarded to the federal executive.
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the current Head of Government in Mexico City, has been instrumental in overseeing security and defense matters. Her role involves ensuring the safety and well-being of Mexican citizens, making these promotions significant in maintaining the country’s defense capabilities.
Details of Promotions
Naval Promotions
Among the 113 naval promotions by the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar):
- Three officers were promoted to the rank of Admiral,
- Eight became Vice Admirals,
- Thirty-one rose to the rank of Rear Admiral,
- And seventy-one became Captains of the Navy.
Army, Air Force, and National Guard Promotions
The 201 promotions by the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) include:
- Six generals of the Division,
- Three generals of the Division within the National Guard,
- Fifteen generals of Brigade of Arms,
- Two generals of Brigade of Service,
- And seven generals of Pilot Wing Aviator.
Additionally, 18 female naval and military personnel were promoted, including a Rear Admiral, brigadier generals, colonels of service, and captains of the navy.
Notable Individuals Among the Promoted
José Francisco Terán Valle, now a general of the Division, has served as interim commander of the 12th Military Zone since August, overseeing Michoacán, Guanajuato, and Querétaro.
Senate’s Rationale for Approval
Ana Lilia Rivera, president of the Senate’s Defense National Commission, explained that the review process for candidates’ promotion expedientes spans an entire year and involves meticulous analysis by specialized Sedena organs.
During the debate, Luis Donaldo Colosio Riojas (MC) abstained from voting along with three others, criticizing the senators for not conducting a thorough examination of candidates’ files. He pointed out that this oversight allowed individuals involved in illegal fuel theft (huachicol) to slip through the cracks a year prior.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who approved the promotions? The Mexican Senate, in a nearly unanimous vote.
- Who granted the initial promotions? President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.
- What are the key figures involved? Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Ana Lilia Rivera, and Luis Donaldo Colosio Riojas.
- What were the main concerns raised during the debate? Luis Donaldo Colosio Riojas criticized the senators for not conducting a thorough examination of candidates’ files, which he believed allowed individuals involved in illegal activities to be promoted.
