Background on the Partido Acción Nacional (PAN)
The Partido Acción Nacional (PAN) is one of Mexico’s major political parties, historically known for its center-right ideology. Founded in 1939, the PAN has been a significant force in Mexican politics, with notable leaders like Vicente Fox and Felipe Calderón serving as presidents. The party has traditionally positioned itself as an alternative to the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which dominated Mexican politics for most of the 20th century.
The Announcement: New Era for the PAN
On October 18, the PAN held a significant event at the Monumento a la Revolución to announce what they call the “New Era of the Partido Acción Nacional.” This announcement went beyond a mere logo change and signaled a shift in the party’s strategy and identity.
Current State of the PAN
- The PAN currently holds the same number of federal deputies, senators, mayors, and governors as it did a month ago.
- The party’s leadership remains unchanged, suggesting that the proposed changes are more of an intention rather than a tangible shift.
Reasons for Change
The PAN acknowledges that their influence has waned since the previous administration, with their voice becoming less prominent and eventually turning into mere tokenism. The party urgently needed change, but it remains to be seen if this new direction is the solution they required.
Internal Study and Changes
Most of the proposed changes appear to stem from an internal study conducted among party members, supporters, and image strategists.
Distancing from PRI
The decision to break away from the pragmatic alliance with the PRI implies an implicit recognition that the “PRIAN” label has become problematic for the PAN. The party sought to distance itself from the PRI to regain its original identity, acknowledging that such a move might limit their electoral prospects since the PRI still holds experience and grassroots support in areas where the PAN lacks presence.
The new stance suggests that the PAN might form specific alliances in certain states, rather than completely severing ties with the PRI.
Embracing a Right-Wing Stance
The PAN’s new slogan, “Patria, Familia y Libertad,” indicates a shift towards a more assertive right-wing position without being overly aggressive. This approach mirrors similar trends observed in other right-wing parties worldwide, which have successfully balanced social programs with the defense of traditional values.
The PAN aims to position itself as an alternative to Morena, capitalizing on widespread discontent with the ruling party while avoiding direct competition.
Impact on the PRI
By distancing itself from the PRI, the PAN puts the latter in a precarious position. The Movimiento Ciudadano (MC) has previously stated its unwillingness to ally with the PRI, even in future elections. The PAN’s move signals that it no longer feels comfortable with the PRI, potentially diminishing the value of any past joint successes.
With the PAN’s apparent rejection, the PRI is left to navigate alone. In the 2018 elections, the PRI won seven districts, and in 2024, they secured only 10 with 12% of the effective vote for federal deputies. In two states, they managed more than 20% of the votes (Durango with 24% and Coahuila with 39%), but in states where gubernatorial elections will take place in 2027, the PRI never surpassed 15%.
The PAN’s stance now portrays the PRI as a smaller, outdated party, making any attempts at renewal appear as mere imitation of the PAN’s strategies.
Openness to Citizenship and New Candidates
The PAN’s decision to “open up to citizenship” and allow easy online registration aims to compete with Morena’s successful grassroots mobilization. This move also signals the party’s willingness to embrace non-PRI candidates, potentially even those who have left Morena.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the PAN’s new direction? The PAN aims to position itself as the primary opposition to Morena, embracing a right-wing stance that avoids alienating potential supporters.
- Why is the PAN distancing itself from the PRI? The PAN seeks to regain its original identity and avoid being associated with the PRI’s perceived problems, even if it means limiting electoral prospects.
- How will this new PAN strategy impact the PRI? The PAN’s move leaves the PRI in a weakened position, forcing it to navigate alone and potentially hindering its ability to regain influence.
