The Consolidation of a One-Party Regime
Mexicans are witnessing a return to the political landscape of the 1930s, with a single-man rule and a dominant party consolidating power daily. This development erases the glimmers of democratic transition that emerged during the administrations of Echeverría and López Portillo, paving the way for a representative democracy.
López Obrador and Morena: A Modern-Day Calles and PNR
Andrei López Obrador, much like Plutarco Elías Calles before him, leads Morena, echoing the power of the revolutionary caudillos and their Party of National Reconstruction (PNR).
The Erosion of Democratic Progress
Alongside this political shift, Mexico faces the resurgence of unbridled violence and the absence of a rule-of-law state. Over decades, institutions were gradually built, but the so-called Fourth Transformation has nearly dismantled them. From political pluralism’s legitimacy to the institutionalization of democracy through autonomous bodies and a progressively functional judicial system, these achievements are now in jeopardy.
Disillusionment and Nostalgia for Authoritarianism
This disappointment with the stalled democratic transition has fueled longing for authoritarian governance and a revival of revolutionary nationalism, complete with its excesses, abuses, and historical distortions. However, unlike the original revolutionary caudillos, the Fourth Transformation lacks a clear vision for the nation’s future.
Economic Challenges and Informal Economy
With an almost stagnant economy reliant on exports, there are insufficient resources for investment, job creation, or social control and electoral bribery. This situation encourages informality and an underground economy, as the ruling class attempts to seize control of all possible assets to maintain power.
Cleptocracy and Lack of Direction
The current cleptocratic system, devoid of democratic convictions, mirrors its priista predecessor’s rationale: benefiting themselves and their associates through economic success. Today, however, there is an irrational return to a past characterized by privilege and power without direction or oversight, allowing illegal enrichment with impunity.
Professional Absence in Bureaucracy
A significant part of this issue stems from the lack of professional personnel in the bureaucracy, as capable individuals have been dismissed since 2018 to make way for loyal Morena militants, often ignorant of their roles.
Conclusion: A Precarious Future
The priista authoritarianism eventually crumbled due to internal differences fracturing the system. The morenista cleptocracy is rapidly approaching a similar fate, threatening Mexico’s democratic progress and economic stability.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue discussed in this article? The consolidation of a one-man regime and a single-party dominance in Mexico, erasing democratic progress initiated during the Echeverría and López Portillo administrations.
- Who are the key figures mentioned? Plutarco Elías Calles and Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), leading Morena in a manner reminiscent of the revolutionary caudillos and their PNR.
- What are the consequences of this political shift? The erosion of democratic institutions, resurgence of violence, and a return to authoritarianism with no clear direction for the nation.
- How does the economy factor into this situation? An almost stagnant economy, reliant on exports, limits resources for investment, job creation, and social control measures, fostering informality and an underground economy.
- What is the significance of the professional absence in bureaucracy? The dismissal of capable personnel since 2018 to make way for loyal Morena militants, often lacking the necessary skills for their roles, threatens effective governance.
