The PAN’s Dilemmas: Disintegrated by Alliances, the National Action Party Marks Its 89th Anniversary with Subdued Celebrations

Web Editor

September 19, 2025

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Introduction

The National Action Party (PAN), once a dominant political force in Mexico, finds itself at a crossroads. With its identity fractured by alliances and its national president, Jorge Romero Herrera, nearing the end of his democratic bonus period after 10 months without significant achievements, the party commemorated its 89th anniversary with muted festivities.

A New Era for the PAN

As the party embarks on a new chapter, Romero Herrera aims to strengthen internal cohesion and restore the PAN’s identity. In a month, the party’s leadership will initiate this “new era,” potentially revising its logo and fundamental documents. The president of the National Executive Committee (CEN) will tour the country to rally support, unite ranks, and identify competitive leadership prospects.

With federal elections approaching in 2027, the PAN must secure three of its remaining four gubernatorial positions (Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, and Querétaro) and double its presence. Romero Herrera is determined to avoid distractions, aiming for the party to fulfill its historical role of defending the nation and combating the majority that has eroded institutions.

Strategic Focus and Leadership Aims

Romero Herrera, alongside his strategic team including Santiago Taboada, Fernando Rodríguez Doval, Armando Tejeda, and Luis Olmedo, plans to concentrate on competitive opposition areas. Their key targets include Nayarit with Senator Ivideliza Reyes, Tlaxcala (despite Mariana Jiménez’s departure to the MC), and Zacatecas with Mayor Miguel Varela.

Secondary Effects

Cautious Optimism?

Recent events, such as the Rébsamen school collapse, Metro Line 12 accident, Parque Bicentenario grúa fall, and Puente de la Concordia truck rollover, have prompted the Mexico City Attorney General’s intervention to determine causes and assign responsibilities. Lawyers often emerge, promising substantial compensations to victims by exploiting the misconception that involved companies carry extensive coverage.

In the Axe Ceremonia case, Fiscal Bertha Alcalde Luján confirmed that families of a victim rejected conciliation, leading to the judicialization of the investigation. The longer the process, the greater potential financial gain for these lawyers exploiting others’ misfortune.

Chain Reactions at FEMSA

The succession plan at FEMSA, announced seven months ago, has entered its final phase with José Antonio Fernández Garza Lagüera’s appointment as the new CEO, starting November 1. Prior to this, FEMSA’s internal security underwent a near-total overhaul following Óscar Eduardo Rocha Drabovski’s departure from social studies direction.

These changes and issues in consolidating FEMSA’s Combustibles division, operating 571 gas stations across 17 northern states, are directly linked to hydrocarbon supply assurance operations and non-Pemex vendor purchases.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What challenges does the PAN currently face? The PAN is grappling with internal fragmentation due to alliances and a leadership period nearing its end without significant accomplishments. Its focus is on strengthening internal cohesion and restoring its identity ahead of 2027 elections.
  • What is the PAN’s strategy for the upcoming elections? The party aims to concentrate on competitive opposition areas, identifying and supporting strong leadership prospects in key states.
  • What are the secondary effects mentioned in the article? The article discusses cautious optimism surrounding legal claims following tragic events and chain reactions at FEMSA due to leadership changes and division consolidation issues.