Introduction
In solidarity with Héctor de Mauleón and Adela Navarro
As the upcoming judicial election approaches, the morenista government is poised to consolidate power. However, there are concerns that they might attempt to solidify their dominance through an electoral reform, potentially taking the nation back to an era where Gobernación could halt vote counts and deliver dubious, if not fraudulent, results. Alternatively, they may aim to shield themselves better from critical voices that irk various officialist figures. Given the impunity that protects those who intimidate, expel, or harm journalists, explicit censorship might be unnecessary.
Understanding Power
Power is not a mere accumulation of gold or precious stones; it is created and exercised. In an authoritarian regime, power manifests through abusive decrees, seeking to limit the decision-making, expression, and movement of autonomous groups, citizens, or dissidents. The executive coopts or concentrates power for itself among other branches.
In contrast, a democracy exercises power through agreements and alliances with diverse political groups and the citizenry, allowing them to exercise power as well. This, in turn, helps limit the harm caused by criminal, anarchist, or self-serving groups. Consequently, society expects that the use of power benefits it, countering sinister forces threatening life and liberties, limiting venomous elements in social coexistence, and addressing conflicts through the law.
Government’s Power Exercise in Mexico
If we view the capital as a microcosm of Mexico, one wonders why no government (federal or local) uses its legitimate power and authority to prevent the siege of National Palace or blockades that transform this city into a living hell for those commuting via metrobús, metro, or personal vehicles to work or return home. Why not enforce traffic regulations? Let’s avoid discussing organized crime for now.
If the current administration considers itself democratic, why does it fail to recognize the importance of preserving legitimate checks and balances? Why does it persist in dismantling the judicial power while leaving the corrupt foundations of prosecution off-limits? Don’t professional judges and capable prosecutors who can effectively investigate in a country plagued by massacres, forced disappearances, and political assassinations still seem necessary?
Why does this government accumulate power (from the previous administration) without addressing serious issues like violence, insecurity, medicine shortages, and the deterioration of the healthcare system?
Social Decadence and Governance
If the government genuinely cares for “the People,” why does it tolerate the decline of education and cultural precarity? Societal weakening serves authoritarian regimes that prefer to manage frightened, ignorant masses rather than healthy families and communities capable of independent thought, questioning, organizing, and creating.
If the government seeks power “for the People,” why does it allow the deterioration of education and cultural sectors? Does social suffering benefit the government? Is power exercised elsewhere? Like a ravenous giant, the executive (with its complicit Congress) aims to swallow the judicial branch—but then what?
Key Questions and Answers
- Question: Why does the morenista government seek so much power if it cannot protect mothers seeking justice against criminal or corrupt authorities?
- Question: Why does a militaristic government, incapable of enforcing the law against extortionist, massacring, landmine-planting groups, or those expelling entire communities, desire more power?
- Question: Does social suffering benefit the government?
Answer: The government’s inability to ensure safety for vulnerable citizens raises questions about its priorities and effectiveness.
Answer: The societal expectation is that power should ensure peace and security.
Answer: The prevailing assumption is that a strong, stable society is in the government’s best interest.
