Introduction
Former Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo’s article in the magazine Letras Libres, where he warns of a transition “from democracy to tyranny,” has sparked a strong reaction from President Claudia Sheinbaum. In her response, she dismissed not only Zedillo’s claims but also attacked the former president personally, similar to how Andrés Manuel López Obrador has done in the past.
Zedillo’s Concerns
Zedillo raises valid concerns about numerous reforms passed in recent months aimed at centralizing power within the federal government and the presidency. The first step involved manipulating a qualified majority in both legislative chambers to alter the Constitution, with the complicity of the Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) and the Tribunal Electoral de la Federación (TRIFE), as well as threats of imprisonment against a PAN senator.
Reforms and Their Impact
- A reform to the Judicial Power that allows government control over this branch.
- Elimination of all autonomous bodies by transferring their powers to the government.
- A recent proposal to amend the telecommunications law, granting the government the ability to censor and control media outlets.
These reforms aim to strengthen the executive branch’s powers, specifically those of the president. Autonomous bodies were established to build investor confidence, both domestic and foreign, and prevent arbitrary government decisions. Their disappearance leaves investors vulnerable to government influence, especially if the judicial power becomes subservient to the executive branch.
The Core Debate: Judicial Appointments and Democracy
The central question is whether appointing members of the Judicial Power advances democracy, as Sheinbaum claims, or poses a risk to it. While the reform doesn’t abolish judicial autonomy, the selection process for candidates raises serious doubts about their independence and competence.
- Most candidates were chosen by Morena legislators and officials, with no input from the opposition or external organizations.
- Given Morena’s functioning, it is likely that these candidates were selected based on their loyalty to the party.
Sheinbaum argues that this process is a democratic exercise, but the majority of candidates were chosen by the government, and voters cast their ballots without genuine knowledge of the candidates. This undermines the impartiality and expertise required for an independent judiciary, thus weakening justice administration.
Sheinbaum’s Consolidation of Presidentialism
In her seven months in office, Sheinbaum has focused on strengthening presidentialism at the expense of the balance of powers and democracy itself. The question of whether our democracy is at risk has a clear answer: yes, as the president’s decisions will determine the use of the accumulating power.
Key Questions and Answers
- Question: Zedillo is worried about recent reforms centralizing power within the federal government and the presidency, manipulating qualified majorities, and weakening autonomous bodies.
- Question: Sheinbaum has consolidated presidentialism, undermining the balance of powers and raising concerns about the risk to democracy.
- Question: The debate centers on whether appointing Judicial Power members advances democracy or poses a risk, given the lack of independence and competence in the selection process.
