What can the global left learn from Mexico – where far-right politics hasn’t taken off? | Thomas Graham
In a compelling analysis of Mexico’s political landscape, journalist Thomas Graham highlights the significant achievements of the leftwing governing party, Morena, in the context of the upcoming 2024 elections. Despite a global trend where incumbents often face grim prospects and far-right parties gain traction, Morena has bucked this narrative by not only retaining the presidency but also securing a formidable two-thirds supermajority in the Chamber of Deputies. This success is particularly noteworthy as the far-right opposition failed to present a candidate, underscoring Morena’s dominance in the current political arena. The party’s focus on addressing Mexico’s stark social inequalities has resonated with many, drawing attention from progressive movements worldwide. However, Graham cautions that Morena’s approach incorporates elements that may not align with traditional progressive values, indicating a complex and pragmatic political strategy.
Morena’s rise to power began in 2018 when Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a veteran of the leftist movement, won a historic 55% of the vote, marking a significant shift in Mexico’s political dynamics. Following this, Claudia Sheinbaum, a close ally of López Obrador, recently achieved an even more impressive victory, garnering 60% of the vote in the latest elections. This outcome echoes the earlier successes of Latin America’s “pink tide,” where leftist leaders like Hugo Chávez and Evo Morales were re-elected with increasing support. While Morena’s achievements highlight the potential for progressive governance in a region often characterized by political volatility, Graham points out that the party’s blend of social justice initiatives and pragmatic governance raises questions about its long-term viability and the possibility of replicating its model in other contexts. As the 2024 elections approach, the implications of Morena’s governance will be closely watched, both within Mexico and by international observers seeking to learn from its unique approach to tackling inequality and social justice.
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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