Background on the Situation
The recent challenge thrown by a majority of Morena senators to President Sheinbaum regarding the constitutionality of applying the Ley de Amparo retroactively has strengthened the notion that Sunday’s gathering at the Zócalo will be a pivotal moment in the six-year term.
This does not imply a split within Morena, as those who disagree with the “revolution of consciences” cannot deny that López Obrador’s new political regime has concentrated power and revived an all-powerful presidency reminiscent of the PRI throughout most of the last century.
Economic Growth and the Role of the Private Sector
According to the INEGI, social programs have not significantly impacted extreme poverty. Although statistics show fewer people in such conditions, this is due to other factors rather than the social programs themselves.
With Mexico losing its demographic bonus and having few births, its population is aging. To sustain growth that can support government expenditure, it would be wise to welcome migrants who wish to stay or ensure there is growth supported by the private sector that can finance official programs.
If, as experts claim, around 80% of formal and informal jobs are generated by the private sector, those in power, despite reluctance, must accept that the IP (private sector) should promote healthy growth to fund official programs.
Trust in Pablo Gómez Álvarez
The mere fact that Pablo Gómez Álvarez, president of the Presidential Commission for electoral reform, claims that electoral reforms leading to Mexico’s brief democratic spring were agreements among elites should make one question his credibility.
His assertions that everyone’s voice is now heard, when the people are conspicuously absent from the process and Morena holds a majority in the commission, is merely an easy rhetoric. Once the electoral reform is approved next year, opposition forces must prepare for a harsh democratic winter.
Notes in the Wind
- Semarnat head Alicia Bárcenas requested that diputados return over 5,000 million pesos collected for her department, which remains in the Treasury.
- Setting tariffs on flat-rolled steel from China seems inevitable.
- Alejandro Encina’s sudden departure to the OEA altered the succession process in Mexico City.
- Amanda McBroom’s advice: “Just remember, under the bitter winter’s snow lies a seed that, with the love of the spring sun, will bloom into a rose.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of the challenge to President Sheinbaum? The challenge by Morena senators regarding the retroactive application of the Ley de Amparo has heightened expectations that Sunday’s gathering at the Zócalo will be a crucial event in the six-year term, potentially shifting focus from past grievances to future prospects.
- Why is economic growth important? Economic growth, primarily driven by the private sector, is essential to finance government programs and address issues like extreme poverty amidst an aging population and declining birth rates.
- Should we trust Pablo Gómez Álvarez’s statements on electoral reform? Given his previous claims that electoral reforms were elite agreements and his current assertion that everyone’s voice is heard, despite the Morena majority in the commission, there are reasons to be skeptical of his statements.
- What are the recent political developments? There have been requests for returned funds, discussions on tariffs, a sudden change in the Mexico City succession process, and advice on perseverance amidst challenges.
