Introduction
When Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) assumed the presidency in 2018, he generated immense hope. However, according to political analyst Manuel López San Martín, his administration has left Mexico on the brink of disaster. In his book “Año siete. El Legado: la catástrofe,” San Martín argues that López Obrador’s six-year term has been marked by the destruction of democratic institutions in the republic.
The State of Mexico Under López Obrador
San Martín asserts that López Obrador’s presidency has resulted in a perilous situation for Mexico across various fronts, including security, health, and the economy. He points out that the economy is precarious, with relations with the United States strained. The political analyst believes that López Obrador’s term has been a turning point, but for the worse.
The Legacy of López Obrador
San Martín describes the legacy of López Obrador as catastrophic, riddled with corruption and irresponsibility. He criticizes the simplistic solutions to complex problems and the hasty, catchy phrases employed by the president. López Obrador, according to San Martín, governed with ego and a focus on his historical narrative rather than the well-being of the country.
The Transition to Claudia Sheinbaum’s Presidency
San Martín notes that López Obrador has left Claudia Sheinbaum, the incoming president, surrounded by key figures in strategic positions. He suggests that Sheinbaum faces a dilemma: she can either navigate her presidency under internal pressures and scrutiny or forge her own path. The political analyst believes that Sheinbaum must assert her independence to distance herself from the controversies surrounding López Obrador’s administration.
Key Questions and Answers
- What happened to the expectations created in 2018 with López Obrador’s arrival at the presidency? According to San Martín, López Obrador’s government arrived with immense hope but has led the country to a dangerous situation, with numerous risks and open fronts.
- What is López Obrador’s legacy? San Martín describes it as catastrophic, marked by corruption and irresponsibility. He criticizes simplistic solutions to complex problems and hasty decisions.
- Why does San Martín say that López Obrador’s seventh year of administration began early? San Martín believes that López Obrador’s influence and control over narratives and public agendas began to wane before his term officially ended, prompting him to consider this the start of the seventh year.
- How did López Obrador treat Claudia Sheinbaum in the final stages of his government? San Martín asserts that López Obrador has left Sheinbaum surrounded by key figures in strategic positions, effectively encircling her with his decisions and allies.
- What is the value of López Obrador’s political heritage for the functioning of the so-called “fourth transformation”? San Martín highlights a dispute over López Obrador’s legacy, with several individuals within Morena vying for control and custody of his political testament.
- What is more likely to happen in Sheinbaum’s presidency: navigating under internal pressures or forging her own path? San Martín believes that, in the short term, they will remain united for political and electoral convenience. However, as the 2027 midterm elections approach, internal disputes over positions and candidacies are expected to intensify.
- Who does Sheinbaum operate with? Is she building alliances? San Martín notes that Sheinbaum arrived with a small, more technical team than political. Building political allies has become her priority, though it remains unclear who holds the real power within Morena and the fourth transformation.
- Does the current institutional design of the country allow for an influence like López Obrador’s, or does it necessitate discarding it? San Martín argues that López Obrador has crafted a model in which he remains an essential, albeit absent, figure. Sheinbaum must establish her autonomy and independence to move away from López Obrador’s shadow.
