What can the global left learn from Mexico – where far-right politics hasn’t taken off? | Thomas Graham
In a compelling analysis, journalist Thomas Graham delves into the political landscape of Mexico, focusing on the leftwing governing party, Morena, and its recent successes in the 2024 election year. Unlike many incumbents facing grim prospects globally, Morena not only maintained the presidency but also achieved a remarkable two-thirds supermajority in the Chamber of Deputies, alongside its coalition partners in Sigamos Haciendo Historia. This victory is particularly noteworthy as it occurred in a climate where the far-right struggled to mount a significant challenge, with no viable candidate emerging to contest the elections. The success of a self-described leftwing party like Morena, particularly in addressing Mexico’s stark inequality, has garnered attention from progressive movements worldwide, showcasing a potential model for leftist governance.
However, Graham points out that Morena’s approach to social justice is tempered by a degree of pragmatism that may not resonate with all progressive ideals. While the party has made significant strides in addressing social inequalities, it has also adopted policies and strategies that some observers might consider contradictory to traditional leftist principles. For instance, the party’s focus on economic stability and pragmatic governance sometimes overshadows its commitment to more radical social reforms. This duality raises questions about the sustainability of its approach and whether it can serve as a blueprint for other leftist movements globally. The electoral success of Claudia Sheinbaum, a close ally of former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who secured an impressive 60% of the vote, echoes the earlier successes of leftist leaders during Latin America’s “pink tide.” Yet, as the party navigates its future, it must balance its foundational ideals with the practicalities of governance in a complex political environment.
In summary, while Morena’s achievements in the 2024 elections signal a robust leftist presence in Mexico, the party’s blend of social justice advocacy and pragmatic governance offers a mixed legacy that may not be easily replicable elsewhere. As the world watches, the question remains: can Morena sustain its momentum while remaining true to its progressive roots, or will it continue to dilute its principles in the pursuit of pragmatic solutions?
Thomas Graham, a journalist based in Mexico City, explains how the leftwing governing party, Morena, has promoted social justice but diluted principle with pragmatism
If you were to summarise the 2024 election year, you might say: grim for incumbents, good for the far right. Yet Mexico bucked both trends. Its governing party, Morena, not only retained the presidency but – along with its
partners
in the Sigamos Haciendo Historia coalition – gained a two-thirds supermajority in the chamber of deputies, the lower house, while the far right failed to even run a candidate. That a self-described leftwing party could have such success by fixing on Mexico’s chasmic inequality has drawn attention from hopeful progressives worldwide. But Morena’s programme has some not-so-progressive elements too. It is not necessarily one others could – or would want to – copy in its entirety.
Morena first notched a historic result in 2018, when Andrés Manuel López Obrador, an old face of the left who ran for president twice before founding the party, won a record 55% of the vote during the general elections. Mexico’s constitution limits presidents to a single term. But this time, Claudia Sheinbaum, a close ally of López Obrador’s,
won 60%
of the vote. Her victory was reminiscent of the heyday of Latin America’s “pink tide”, when leftist leaders like Hugo Chávez and Evo Morales were reelected for a second term with more votes than their initial victories.
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