The Challenge to the Imperial Presidency
Despite the author’s persistent view that “the revolution of consciences” saved the Imperial Presidency from the past century, May’s historical milestones will expose its limitations. On May 1st, Labor Day, labor unions will march in front of the central balcony of Palacio, as the Zócalo is occupied with revelry. Two weeks later, there will be provocations against the government.
These events are indicative that the IV-T regime has struggled to replicate the feat of President Lázaro Cárdenas, who strengthened the Imperial Presidency through corporatism of guilds and unions, ensuring its dominance for over 60 years post his tenure.
Financial Risk of Metrobús Line 1
Less than two months before the expiration of Metrobús Line 1’s concession – Indios Verdes to El Caminero – public transport leaders demand “technical tariffs, targeted subsidies, and clear update rules,” as reported.
Jesús Padilla, Line 1’s General Director, stated that the concession is in limbo with nothing resolved by June 19. He claims that the social fare of Metrobús puts it at financial risk, as current incomes cannot renew the fleet.
The argument that the social fare jeopardizes the entire system poses a challenge for Mexico City’s Head of Government, Clara Brugada. Regardless of any punishment towards Line 1’s complainant, the risk to the entire system due to the “social fare” remains unchanged.
Test for Morena’s National Leadership
The municipal elections in Coahuila and Veracruz will put Morena’s national leaders, Luisa María Alcalde and Andrés Manuel López Obrador, to the test. Although circumstances differ between the two entities, their effectiveness will be evaluated.
López Obrador camped in Coahuila. His challenge is to surpass the well-entrenched priista government of Manolo Jiménez. Luisa María Alcalde’s task in Veracruz is to prevent internal strife among the local tribes.
With less than four weeks of campaigning, Palacio Nacional, like its predecessors, will have to support the federal government in the electoral battle, as a loss for the young national leaders of Morena would be perceived as a setback for the President.
Additional Notes
If the White House orders to follow the money trail from fuel theft and contraband, there could be repercussions here… Border closure, boasted the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, while touring El Paso, Texas on a quad. It didn’t matter that, as President Claudia Sheinbaum stated, only 35,000 Mexicans have been deported… Assassins of “Los Ardillos,” a criminal band controlling Guerrero territories, killed a 13-year-old boy to steal the proceeds from his soft drink sales… Haruki Murakami’s reflection for stellar confrontations: “What has already happened is like a shattered plate in a thousand pieces. No matter how hard you try, it cannot be restored to its original state.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the issue with Metrobús Line 1? Leaders of the public transport sector are demanding technical tariffs, targeted subsidies, and clear update rules due to the financial risk posed by the social fare.
- Why are Morena’s national leaders being tested? The municipal elections in Coahuila and Veracruz will evaluate their effectiveness under different circumstances.
- What are the additional notes? These include potential consequences if the U.S. pursues the money trail from fuel theft and contraband, as well as recent incidents of violence in Mexico.
