Introduction
In ancient Greece, Cleantes of Aso was a meticulous disciple who spent two decades faithfully attending the classes of Stoic philosopher Zenón, while surviving nights by selling water jugs. When Zenón passed away in 262 B.C., Cleantes continued to follow his master’s line without altering methods, doctrines, or personal forms. Similarly, in modern politics, Dimitri Medvedev and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum have been faithful followers of their predecessors, Vladimir Putin and Andrés Manuel López Obrador, respectively.
Dimitri Medvedev and Vladimir Putin
Medvedev assumed power in Russia in 2008, following constitutional restrictions on Putin’s consecutive presidential terms. He adopted Putin’s slogans, posed for photos with his mentor, and employed the same discourses and narratives. Medvedev never dared to challenge or alter the power dynamics established by Putin.
Claudia Sheinbaum and Andrés Manuel López Obrador
Sheinbaum, like Cleantes and Medvedev, has been a meticulous disciple of López Obrador. Despite being infinitely more capable and prepared than her predecessor, she has chosen to adhere to his discursive, political, and economic lines. This reverence, insecurity, or a calculated power strategy has made her a faithful copy of López Obrador during her seven and a half months in office.
Challenges Faced by Sheinbaum
Sheinbaum faces constraints due to the radical factions of MORENA, the “white elephants,” and the fiscal disaster left by López Obrador. Analysts anticipated that she would assert her authority and govern independently, establishing her own pace and style. However, she has vulnerabilities in the parliamentary coordinators of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, with her party moving independently, guided mainly by fearful reverence towards López Obrador in Chiapas.
Political Communication and Economic State
Under Sheinbaum’s leadership, the country continues to employ the same methods as her predecessor. Politically, this includes denying reality, moral indignation, and open deception regarding well-known facts. The “Mañanera” still attacks journalists, intellectuals, and analysts who do not align with the official line. Economically, the nation is in a precarious state due to the irresponsible actions of the previous administration, particularly the extravagant spending in its final year. This has left the government with limited funds and promises to maintain non-productive social programs that create an artificial sense of abundance, much like using a credit card with no limit.
Institutional Vengeance and Centralization of Power
In pursuit of centralizing power, the previous administration dismantled autonomous bodies and state regulatory organs such as the Federal Telecommunications Institute, the Federal Competition Commission, and the Judicial Power. These actions were taken with little justification beyond simplistic discourse, violating international commitments and decades of normative evolution.
Consequences and Potential for Change
The consequences are evident, except within the official narrative. The country stands on the brink of recession, with diminished investment, widespread uncertainty, and a leader prone to impulsive decisions like López Obrador. However, Sheinbaum still has the opportunity to assert control and implement a progressive agenda grounded in science and capability.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main topic of this article? The article discusses how Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s current president, has been a faithful disciple of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and the implications of her adherence to his methods and policies.
- Who are the historical figures mentioned as examples of faithful disciples? Cleantes of Aso, Dimitri Medvedev, and Andrés Manuel López Obrador are mentioned as historical figures who have been faithful disciples of their predecessors or mentors.
- What challenges does Sheinbaum face in her role as president? Sheinbaum faces challenges from radical factions within her party, fiscal constraints left by López Obrador, and vulnerabilities in parliamentary coordination. Additionally, she must navigate the independent actions of her party, guided mainly by reverence towards López Obrador.
- What are the consequences of the previous administration’s actions? The country faces economic instability, a potential recession, diminished investment, and widespread uncertainty. The centralization of power and dismantling of autonomous bodies have also resulted in violations of international commitments and normative evolution.
- What opportunities does Sheinbaum have to make a difference? Despite the challenges, Sheinbaum still has the opportunity to assert control and implement a progressive agenda based on science and capability, potentially altering the course set by her predecessor.
