Mexico’s two leading presidential candidates, Claudia Sheinbaum of the ruling National Regeneration Movement and Berta Xochitl Gálvez of the Power and Heart electoral coalition, held the first of three televised debates on April 7. The debate sets the stage for a tight race ahead of the June 2 election, with Sheinbaum now in the clear lead.
Galvez’s debate was tough
Galvez, who represented the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the National Action Party (PAN), and the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) coalition, faced challenges in her performance. Despite her positive attitude, Galvez struggled to effectively express her political and social views. Her attempts to attack Scheinbaum came off as sharp and acrimonious, failing to have a substantive impact. After the debate, Galvez acknowledged her poor performance and attributed it to not “being herself.”
The debate performance did not help Galvez’s poll numbers, where she still trails Scheinbaum by about 24 points. Scheinbaum is polling 58%-60% while Galvez is polling 34%-36%, and Galvez’s path to victory is looking increasingly difficult.
Scheinbaum’s Background and Criticisms
Sheinbaum, a scientist with a doctorate in energy engineering, served as Mexico City’s environment minister under AMLO. She faced many major challenges during her tenure as Mexico City mayor, including a subway collapse and a growing water crisis. Despite these weaknesses, Galvez failed to exploit them during the debate.
Scheinbaum’s relationship with Andrés Manuel López Obrador works in her favor, given the popularity of his moderate social programs. His initiatives, such as cash transfers and wage hikes, have benefited millions and have won public support. As Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s handpicked successor, Scheinbaum’s promises to continue those programs are more credible in the eyes of voters.
The third candidate is Jorge Álvarez Máynez
The third candidate in the debate was Jorge Álvarez Máynez of the Civic Movement party, who focuses on the “social market economy”. Although he still ranks third in the polls with 5-6%, his presence adds another dimension to the electoral landscape. After the debate, Máynez managed to gain a few points, indicating that his platform has received some attention.
AMLO’s Impact and Legacy
Lopez Obrador’s influence on this election is undeniable. Since his landslide victory in 2018, the PRI and PAN have lost a lot of support, and the PDP is almost politically moribund. Despite criticism from the right wing in the United States, Lopez Obrador has maintained a cooperative relationship with the United States, especially on issues such as immigration and economic policies that favor American investment.
For example, AMLO played an important role in controlling mass migration from Latin America and the Caribbean, supporting Biden’s policies. In addition, his administration’s “Republican austerity” policy focused spending on specific projects such as the Maya Train and Pemex’s Dos Bocas refinery, while maintaining a favorable environment for U.S. investment.
Economic policy and social planning
AMLO’s term was marked by major U.S. investments, such as Elon Musk’s Tesla factory near Monterrey. Although AMLO’s social programs were popular, he did not undermine Mexico’s oligarchic regime, but instead maintained friendly relations with billionaires such as Carlos Slim Helu. This relationship prevented major reforms such as increasing taxes on the rich from being implemented.
Sheinbaum has vowed not to increase taxes on the wealthy or corporate profits, meaning social programs could suffer in the event of economic turmoil or increased military spending. Nongovernmental organizations led by Oxfam Mexico estimate that maintaining current social services would require an increase in spending equal to 5.5% of GDP, which would be a challenge without new sources of revenue.
Class Struggle and Future Prospects
The López Obrador administration has sought to suppress class struggle and keep wages down. Despite his populist rhetoric, López Obrador has managed to maintain a status quo that favors Mexico’s elite. With Scheinbaum poised to continue López Obrador’s policies, major changes to address inequality and social justice seem unlikely.
The debate and the ongoing election highlighted the challenges and complexities in Mexico’s political landscape. While Sheinbaum’s lead appears insurmountable, the issues raised in the debate will continue to shape public discourse and voter priorities in the run-up to the election. To achieve meaningful change, the focus may need to shift to broader systemic reforms and grassroots mobilization, rather than just current political proposals.
Categories: Shark Tank
Source: svlsf.edu.vn