Background on Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla and Hugo Aguilar Ortiz
Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla serves as the current governor of Michoacán, a state in western Mexico. His administration has been actively working towards strengthening and fully recognizing the rights of 45 indigenous communities that have gained autonomy. Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, the newly elected president of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN), attended the recent forum as a special guest.
Forum on Empowering Communal Governance
On July 21, 2025, Governor Bedolla led the forum titled “Empowerment of Communal Governance through the Fourth Order of Government.” The event brought together representatives from indigenous communities, including those speaking purépecha, otomí, nahua, matlazinca, pirinda, and mazahua languages. Over two days, participants discussed the progress made and areas needing reinforcement in implementing autogobierno (self-governance) in justice and security matters.
Objective of the Forum
The primary goal was to establish agreements between state authorities and indigenous communities, thereby reinforcing the fourth level of government. This collaboration aims to ensure that indigenous communities have a stronger voice in governance and decision-making processes.
Recent Legal Advancements
In December of the previous year, Michoacán approved a reform in indigenous matters. This reform expanded, consolidated, and elevated at least 22 rights related to autonomy, direct budget, and security to constitutional status.
The Plan of Justice for Michoacán
Governor Bedolla’s administration, in collaboration with indigenous communities and the federal government, is constructing a Plan of Justice for Michoacán. This initiative aims to advance the recognition of rights for all communities within the state.
Recognition from SCJN President Elect
Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, the incoming president of Mexico’s Supreme Court, acknowledged Michoacán’s efforts in embracing cultural diversity and fully recognizing indigenous communities. He expressed hope that these advancements would extend to the entire nation.
Impact of Federal Reform
A federal reform approved on September 30, 2024, now enables indigenous communities to access public resources for collective functions. Previously, municipal, state, and federal governments allocated resources but failed to exercise them properly. The new reform mandates the allocation, administration, and exercise of resources by indigenous communities, marking a significant step towards strengthening their autonomy.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla? He is the current governor of Michoacán, working towards strengthening indigenous communities’ rights and autonomy.
- What is the significance of the forum “Empowerment of Communal Governance through the Fourth Order of Government”? This forum brought together indigenous community representatives to discuss progress and areas for improvement in implementing self-governance in justice and security matters.
- What recent legal advancements have been made in Michoacán? The state approved a reform in indigenous matters, elevating at least 22 rights related to autonomy, direct budget, and security to constitutional status.
- What is the Plan of Justice for Michoacán? An initiative by Governor Bedolla’s administration, in collaboration with indigenous communities and the federal government, to advance the recognition of rights for all communities within Michoacán.
- How does the federal reform impact indigenous communities? The reform now allows indigenous communities to access public resources for collective functions, marking a significant step towards strengthening their autonomy.
