Background on Key Figures and Relevance
Claudia Sheinbaum, the Head of Government in Mexico City, convened an emergency security meeting on November 2nd due to the escalating crisis in Michoacán. The situation was exacerbated by the assassination of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan and a prominent lemon grower’s leader. This act is seen as a response from criminal organizations to the federal government’s offensive.
Omar García Harfuch, the Secretary of Public Security in Mexico City, has been criticized by “los puros” (the legitimate ones) of the obradorismo faction. These critics accuse him of not defending former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and even suggest he might be working to undermine Andy López Beltrán. The extent to which these accusations reflect the radical wing of Morena or if they merely follow orders remains unclear.
The Cost of Illicit Fuel Operations
Last week, in Veracruz, authorities uncovered a small-scale refinery that claimed to process hydrocarbon waste but was actually producing gasoline and diesel from crude oil. They found 250,000 barrels of refined fuels stored there.
The size of this illicit operation indicates it had been running for several months, suggesting the criminal gangs’ continuous involvement with evident complicity from sector professionals and protection from corrupt officials and business partners.
Assuming this operation produced 250,000 barrels of fuel over fifteen days, it would mean 2 million liters of illicitly produced fuel were sold. This single operation’s economic damage raises questions about the overall cost of illicit fuel operations to both the nation and Pemex.
Temptations of New Governance
Throughout the past week, I’ve read several reflections on how the “new governance” will manage the “revolution of consciousness,” clarifying that these are not my own thoughts but worth considering.
According to insightful observers, it’s crucial not to normalize the passive acceptance of power concentration without checks and balances or a political regime that considers its truth as the only one, reminiscent of an imperial presidency from last century.
They warn that a government with such strength does not necessarily make an efficient or honest state. The “new governance,” marked by the deterioration of institutional quality and representation systems, postpones indefinitely when the current political regime will have checks and balances.
Notas en Remolino (Whirlwind Notes)
- Intensive use of military aircraft: The heavy reliance on Sedena, Marina, and Guardia Nacional aircraft for crime-fighting purposes equates to wear and tear similar to wartime conditions, considering their age. The government should plan for new units acquisition.
- Political risks from judicial reform: CEOs of US-based companies operating in Mexico have expressed concerns about the politicization of laws resulting from judicial reform.
- Waldo’s store tragedy: The Waldo’s store fire in Hermosillo, resulting in 23 deaths, offered assistance to those affected.
- Jalisco government’s potential mistake: Eliminating vehicle verification in Jalisco could prove detrimental.
- Cervantes’ wisdom: “Each person is as God made them, and often even worse.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of Claudia Sheinbaum’s emergency meeting? The meeting addresses the escalating crisis in Michoacán, triggered by the assassination of Carlos Manzo, a mayor and lemon grower leader.
- Who are “los puros” and why are they criticizing Omar García Harfuch? “Los puros” are loyalists of the obradorismo faction who accuse Omar García Harfuch of not defending former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and possibly working against Andy López Beltrán.
- What is the cost of illicit fuel operations to Mexico? The discovery of a small-scale refinery in Veracruz, producing 250,000 barrels of refined fuels, suggests significant economic damage from illicit fuel operations.
- What concerns do experts have about the new governance? Experts warn against normalizing power concentration without checks and balances, emphasizing the deterioration of institutional quality and representation systems under the new governance.
