Introduction
In the towns and their citizens, there are memories that are nearly impossible to erase or alter. In Mexico, the memory stemming from encomiendas has evolved into a political clientelism that persists to this day and has been nourished maliciously by both the previous and current governments.
Clientelism Rooted in Historical Context
Certain individuals from specific regions of the country, particularly in Mexico City southward, consider it most natural and even obligatory for the government to allocate resources in exchange for their votes and loyalty. This practice, though seemingly modest to some, is sufficient for a majority, causing votes to flow like a river and silencing majorities comfortably into compliance with the designs of ignorant, mediocre, and deceitful leaders.
Examples of Clientelism
These examples abound and offend even the most basic intelligence. From Veracruz scientists launching a spacecraft to deliver coffee to Mars, to the inability of legislators to read a text evidently written for them, only to take a photo in the tribune and boast about unspoken great speeches to their families. Such instances highlight the stark contrast between capability and performance in Mexican politics.
Reform Proposals and Their Implications
Proposals like reforms to the amparo law have gained unprecedented significance. President CSP’s first genuine proposal, this reform aims to ensure that no citizen can challenge or contradict the power. More alarmingly, it has lost its force by restricting the suspension of acts as a protective and provisional measure against infringements on a citizen’s rights.
Historical Context and Comparison
Having experienced both recent regimes—an authoritarian priista and a democratic one that began this century—the author notes the difference in origins between these two systems. The former, though ilustrado (educated), was displeasing and required significant effort to transition towards a liberal democracy desired by the author’s generation. The current regime, however, is of a different origin and composition.
Clientelism as a Legalized Practice
The author argues that the proposed reforms to the amparo law are, in essence, a means of preemptively legitimizing any act of authority without requiring an opinion that holds value beyond that of the authoritative figure committing abuse, illegality, or a wild transgression against a citizen.
Government Defense and Concerns
The government defends these reforms by stating that the amparo has allowed for the abuse of a resource meant to protect citizens, leading to equal illegalities. This justification equates to limiting freedom of expression when officials, like a Morena deputy attempting to legislate recently, face criticism.
Implications of Authoritarian Tendencies
When a government believes its decisions and actions should be uncontested and infallible, it signals a worrying trend towards authoritarianism—essentially, a dictatorship. The author insists on naming things as they are without reservation.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is clientelism in the Mexican political context? Clientelism refers to a system where politicians exchange resources or favors for political support, typically votes, from citizens in specific regions.
- How has historical context influenced this issue? The legacy of encomiendas in Mexico has contributed to the development of clientelism, which persists and is nourished by both past and present governments.
- What are the proposed reforms to the amparo law, and why are they concerning? The reforms aim to restrict citizens’ ability to challenge government actions, effectively undermining protective measures against potential rights violations.
- Why is the government’s stance on these reforms worrisome? When a government seeks to make its decisions uncontested and infallible, it indicates a shift towards authoritarianism, raising concerns about democratic principles and citizens’ rights.
