Background on Ricardo Monreal Ávila and His Role
Ricardo Monreal Ávila, the president of the Coordination Political Junta in Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies and a member of the Morena party, has announced proposed budget cuts for Mexico’s judicial branch and the National Electoral Institute (INE).
Monreal Ávila’s position as the head of the Coordination Political Junta gives him significant influence over the legislative agenda in Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies. His party, Morena, holds a majority in the chamber, making his opinions and decisions crucial for shaping upcoming policies.
Proposed Budget Cuts
Institutional Electoral (INE):
Monreal Ávila stated that the INE’s budget would be reduced due to the absence of upcoming elections. The INE had previously requested 22,000 million pesos for the upcoming year. Monreal Ávila believes that this amount should be further decreased, stating, “There are no elections, so there’s no justification for the current proposed budget.”
Federal Judicial Branch:
The proposed budget for the Federal Judicial Branch, which includes the Tribunal Electoral, has been increased by over 70,983 million pesos for 2025. However, Monreal Ávila warned that this amount would be subject to cuts. The previous court had requested an additional 15,000 million pesos, which Monreal Ávila believes will not be approved.
Other Iniciatives
Monreal Ávila also mentioned that other important iniciatives are on their way to the Chamber of Deputies, including a proposed new Organic Law of the Mexican Navy by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. This law aims to modify the current legislation governing the Navy.
These iniciatives will be considered alongside existing proposals on customs and tariffs, the ongoing Economic Package, the Income Bill, and the Expenditure Budget.
Reasignment of Resources
Monreal Ávila highlighted a case where the Universidad de Guadalajara proposed a lower budget than what it received in 2025. He stated that such situations require reasignment of resources to ensure institutions receive appropriate funding.
Tax on Flavored Beverages
Monreal Ávila reaffirmed his support for a proposed tax on flavored beverages. He emphasized that this matter will be discussed in committees, with input from various stakeholders, and aims to conclude the review process by October 20.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the proposed budget cuts? Monreal Ávila announced reductions for both the INE and the Federal Judicial Branch, including the Tribunal Electoral.
- Why is there a proposed decrease in the INE’s budget? The INE does not have upcoming elections, leading Monreal Ávila to believe the budget should be reduced further.
- What changes are expected for the Federal Judicial Branch’s budget? Although the branch received an increase for 2025, Monreal Ávila warned that this amount will be subject to cuts.
- What other iniciatives are being considered? A new Organic Law of the Mexican Navy and other proposals on customs, tariffs, income, and expenditure are being reviewed alongside the budget cuts.
- How will resource allocation be managed for institutions with lower-than-expected budgets? Monreal Ávila stated that resources will be reasigned to ensure institutions receive appropriate funding, as seen in the case of the Universidad de Guadalajara.
- What is Monreal Ávila’s stance on the tax on flavored beverages? He supports this proposed tax and emphasized that it will undergo thorough examination in committees before being implemented.
