On April 7, Mexico’s two leading presidential candidates, Claudia Sheinbaum of the ruling Morena party and Bertha Xochitl Gálvez of the Strength and Heart for Mexico electoral coalition, engaged in the first of three televised debates. The debate set the stage for a fierce contest leading up to the June 2 election, in which Sheinbaum currently holds a significant lead.
Conflicts in the Gálvez debate
Gálvez, representing a coalition of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the National Action Party (PAN), and the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), faced a challenging performance. Despite his energetic approach, Gálvez struggled to effectively articulate his political and social proposals. His attempts to attack Sheinbaum came across as shrill and bitter, failing to make much of an impact. After the debate, Gálvez admitted that he had performed poorly, attributing this to not trying to “be himself.”
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Galvez’s performance in the debate did not help him in the polls, where he trails Sheinbaum by about 24 percentage points. With Sheinbaum getting 58-60 percent of the vote and Galvez getting 34-36 percent, Galvez’s path to victory looks increasingly difficult.
Sheinbaum’s background and criticisms
Sheinbaum, a scientist with a PhD in energy engineering, previously served as environment secretary in Mexico City under AMLO. Her tenure as head of Mexico City’s government was marked by significant challenges, including the collapse of the metro and a worsening water crisis. Despite these weaknesses, Gálvez failed to capitalize on these issues during the debate.
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Sheinbaum’s relationship with current President AMLO works in his favor, as does the popularity of his modest social programs. AMLO’s initiatives such as cash transfers and wage increases have reached millions of people and have won public support. As AMLO’s chosen successor, Sheinbaum’s promise to continue these programs appears more credible to voters.
Jorge Álvarez Maynez, the third candidate
The third candidate in the debate, Jorge Álvarez Maynez of the Citizens Movement party, focuses on a “social market economy.” Although he is third in the polls with 5-6 percent, his presence adds another dimension to the electoral landscape. Maynez managed to gain some points after the debate, indicating some traction for his platform.
AMLO’s influence and legacy
AMLO’s impact on the current election is undeniable. Since his landslide victory in 2018, the PRI and PAN have lost considerable support, and the PRD is nearly politically moribund. Despite criticism from some on the US right, AMLO has maintained a cooperative relationship with the US, particularly on issues such as migration and economic policies favorable to US investment.
For example, AMLO has played a key role in controlling mass migration from Latin America and the Caribbean, which supports Biden’s policies. Additionally, his administration’s “Republican austerity” has focused spending on select projects such as the Maya Train and Pemex’s Dos Bocas oil refinery, while maintaining a favorable environment for US investment.
Economic policies and social programs
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The US has made significant investments during AMLO’s tenure, such as Elon Musk’s Tesla plant near Monterrey. Despite his popular social programs, AMLO has not antagonized the Mexican oligarchy, maintaining friendly ties with billionaires such as Carlos Slim Helu. This relationship has kept major reforms, such as raising taxes on the wealthy, off the table.
Sheinbaum has vowed not to raise taxes on the wealthy or corporate profits, suggesting that social programs could be affected by economic turmoil or an increase in military spending. NGOs led by Oxfam Mexico estimate that spending increases equivalent to 5.5 percent of GDP are needed to maintain existing social services, a challenge without new revenue sources.
Class struggle and future prospects
AMLO’s administration has attempted to suppress class struggles and keep wages low. Despite his populist rhetoric, AMLO has managed to maintain the status quo favored by Mexico’s elite. Since Sheinbaum is set to continue AMLO’s policies, significant changes to address inequality and social justice seem unlikely.
The debate and ongoing election highlight the challenges and complexities in Mexico’s political landscape. While Sheinbaum’s lead appears unassailable, the issues raised during the debate will continue to shape public discussion and voter priorities ahead of the election. Meaningful change may require a shift in focus beyond current political offerings to broader systemic reforms and grassroots mobilization.
Source: https://th-xuyenmoc.edu.vn
Category: Net worth