Introduction
The title may evoke Dante’s Divine Comedia, but this analysis focuses on Mexico’s current political climate rather than literary references. The sculptures “The Gates of Hell” by Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel, inspired by Dante, Baudelaire, and Ovidius, may seem distant, yet striking parallels exist with Mexico’s reality.
Presidenta Sheinbaum: Caught Between Pressures
Many have suggested that Presidenta Sheinbaum finds herself between a rock and a hard place, balancing pressures from former President Donald Trump’s administration and obligations inherited from her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO). Analysts and columnists hope for a shift in direction, but the reality might be less optimistic.
The Authoritarian Project
However, Sheinbaum might not be caught between two forces but actively driving the authoritarian project alongside her former colleagues. Given her ideological background in Stalinism, it’s unsurprising that she remains committed to fulfilling these inherited commitments.
Policy Shifts: External Pressure and Internal Needs
The 4T’s project of seizing control over state machinery remains unchanged. The executive, legislative branches, and soon the judiciary are under their control. Most autonomous bodies no longer exist, and upcoming electoral reform will further weaken opposition parties accustomed to working with limited resources. Minority rights will be stripped, and electoral certainty may vanish.
Media Control
Media control has advanced, with many outlets avoiding confrontation and others serving as propaganda tools. Critical voices are being silenced, sometimes through legal maneuvering. The narrative persists that the 4T represents the people and past governments are neoliberal, conservative, and corrupt. Opposition is labeled as treasonous.
Dante’s Ante-Inferno: Social Indifference
In Dante’s Third Canto, the Ante-Inferno punishes the indifferent. Perhaps Mexico has reached this stage due to societal indifference towards democratic destruction, despite López and Sheinbaum’s efforts.
Changes in Policy Focus
Despite the above, some shifts have occurred. The “hugs not bullets” policy is gone, and efforts target huachicol, drug labs, and criminal arms. Extradition of dangerous criminals is pursued, all under US pressure. However, prominent 4T members remain untouched despite evident criminal links.
Opposition’s Path Forward
The opposition’s route lies in restoring democracy: demanding clean elections, exposing electoral fraud, reviving political diversity and minority rights, and defending freedom of expression and press. The journey is long but the path is clear.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current political situation in Mexico? Presidenta Sheinbaum’s administration is consolidating power, controlling key institutions, and suppressing dissent. External pressures from the US and internal needs drive policy shifts.
- How is media control manifesting? Many outlets avoid confrontation, while others serve as propaganda tools. Critical voices face silencing tactics.
- What changes have occurred under the 4T administration? The “hugs not bullets” policy is gone, and efforts target specific criminal activities. However, prominent 4T members remain untouched despite criminal links.
- What is the opposition’s strategy? Their path involves restoring democracy by demanding clean elections, exposing fraud, reviving political diversity, and defending freedom of expression and press.
