Background on the Mexican Guard National and its Recent Changes
The Mexican Guard National, a gendarmerie-style force under the Mexican government’s umbrella, has recently undergone significant changes regarding the ratification of its senior officers. The Mexican Congress, specifically the Chamber of Deputies, approved a reform allowing the Senate of the Republic and the Permanent Commission to ratify high-ranking appointments within the Guard National.
The Reform Details
With a qualified majority, the Chamber of Deputies approved the reform (348 votes in favor, 98 against, and zero abstentions) that expands the Senate’s and Permanent Commission’s authority to ratify senior Guard National appointments. This reform also aims to incorporate inclusive language, aligning with the constitutional framework following the Guard National’s integration into the Secretariat of Defense Nationwide in 2024.
Diverse Opinions During the Discussion
During the debate, representatives from PAN, PRI, and MC parties highlighted concerns about militarization in Mexico. Laura Hernández García (MC) argued that the reform does not rectify the initial error of militarizing the Guard National. She emphasized the need to strengthen supervision mechanisms, incentive systems, and sanctions for inefficiency or corruption within civilian police forces.
César Alejandro Domínguez (PRI) accused Morena of implementing a militarization strategy that places Mexico’s armed forces in all security activities, potentially exposing them to corruption risks. He referenced the alleged involvement of naval elements in fiscal smuggling and illegal fuel trafficking under the previous López Obrador administration, which was associated with Morena.
María del Rosario Orozco (Morena) defended the Guard National’s presence, stating that it has been crucial in enhancing security in violence-prone areas and remote regions. She highlighted the force’s role in safeguarding people’s lives, integrity, and rights, as well as its intervention in conflict zones.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Mexican Guard National? The Mexican Guard National is a gendarmerie-style force under the Mexican government, responsible for internal security tasks.
- What changes were approved by the Mexican Congress? The reform allows the Senate of the Republic and the Permanent Commission to ratify high-ranking appointments within the Guard National, expanding their authority.
- Why are some concerned about militarization? Critics argue that placing the armed forces in all security activities may expose them to corruption risks and undermine civilian police forces’ effectiveness.
- What is the Guard National’s role in Mexico? Proponents emphasize its importance in enhancing security in violence-prone areas and remote regions, safeguarding people’s lives, integrity, and rights.
