Introduction
The European Union is funding a research project to investigate one of the most prominent populist phenomena in contemporary Latin American history, specifically focusing on the model of Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) in Mexico.
Project Details
The research project, named POPAMLO, is supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions research grants program. It aims to analyze the policies, expressions, strategies of disinformation, misleading content, and manipulation mechanisms employed by AMLO during his presidency.
The study also seeks to identify factors contributing to his success and explore the sustainability of the charismatic model beyond AMLO’s presence, examining what keeps it going beyond his messianic appeal.
Relevance and Impact
One year after AMLO’s formal departure from power, another authoritarian populist has imposed his conditions on Mexico, similar to Donald Trump’s influence on various issues like security, migration, and trade to maintain preferential treatment for the country.
AMLO’s control over significant matters, such as constitutional changes and the judiciary, has shifted from charisma to absolute control. The narrative of returning state control over Pemex and CFE, though financially costly, is presented as a success of the so-called Transformation.
However, some achievements are not essentially government decisions but can still distort the economy. For instance, the early announcement of increasing the minimum wage above inflation rates might create unintended consequences.
Economic Considerations
The tripartite agreement on wage increases has had more advantages than disadvantages so far, despite some inflationary pressures and a “lighthouse effect.” However, the room for unilateral presidential decrees has narrowed, and anticipated economic weakness in the final quarter of the year, along with labor market signs of weakness and persistent inflationary pressures, could complicate the situation for smaller businesses if wage increases are driven by propaganda rather than economic necessity.
POPAMLO’s Objective
The POPAMLO project aims to find preventive answers for democracies, given the European Union’s investment. It is crucial to understand if AMLO’s harmful effects can be mitigated through his legacy or what consequences this may bring.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the POPAMLO project? It’s a research initiative funded by the European Union to study Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s populist model in Mexico and identify potential safeguards for democracies.
- Who is Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO)? AMLO is a Mexican politician who served as President of Mexico from 2018 to 2024. His populist approach significantly influenced Mexican politics during his tenure.
- What are the project’s goals? The project aims to analyze AMLO’s strategies, policies, and expressions of populism. It also seeks to understand the sustainability of his charismatic model and identify factors contributing to his success.
- Why is this research important for democracies? The study’s findings could provide valuable insights and preventive measures to protect democratic institutions from populist threats.
- What are some economic concerns related to the POPAMLO project? Concerns include potential distortions in the economy from non-governmental factors and the impact of wage increases on smaller businesses amidst economic weakness and inflationary pressures.
