In a bold move that has stirred up the political landscape in Mexico, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), backed by his party Morena, has proposed a radical overhaul of the country’s pension system. The proposal aims to guarantee pensions equal to full salaries at the time of retirement, a feat not accomplished by any other country.
This proposal is part of a package of 20 constitutional reforms that AMLO hopes to pass during his remaining eight months in office. While the likelihood of these reforms passing is slim due to the two-thirds majority required in Congress, the move is seen as a strategic play to attract voters in the upcoming June 2 presidential elections.
AMLO’s ultimate goal is to secure a win for his party’s candidate, former Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum. The promise of full-wage pensions is also seen as a bid to win Morena the two-thirds majority in Congress needed to amend the Constitution.
However, critics argue that this move is more than just electioneering. Some see it as an attempt by AMLO to set the agenda for the next administration. By proposing such ambitious reforms, AMLO could be setting high and costly expectations for any future president from Morena.
The proposed reforms also include guaranteed annual increases in payments to the elderly, increases in the minimum wage above the rate of inflation, and guaranteed access to the Internet. Other notable proposals include a total ban on fracking, open-pit mining, GM corn, cruelty to animals, and vaping pens.
Despite the ambitious nature of these reforms, AMLO’s popularity remains high. His pension program has been a significant factor in boosting his approval rating. However, Mexicans have given his government lower marks in areas such as security and corruption.
While the future of these reforms remains uncertain, one thing is clear: AMLO’s bold move has set the stage for a heated political battle in the run-up to the June elections. Whether or not these reforms will pass, they have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Mexico’s political landscape.
San Miguel Times
Newsroom
