On Thursday, former Mexican President Felipe Calder\u00f3n Hinojosa drew a stark comparison between Mexico\u2019s current political landscape and Venezuela\u2019s crisis during his speech at the Libertas Forum in Madrid, hosted by the European People\u2019s Party (PPE). <\/p>\n
Calder\u00f3n highlighted a worrying trend of institutional decay, pointing to Venezuela\u2019s experience where populism severely damaged the economy, weakened the judiciary, and compromised the electoral system. \u201cMexico already has a problem similar to Venezuela,\u201d he said, warning that the country \u201cis heading down the same path.\u201d <\/p>\n
A significant part of his critique focused on Mexico\u2019s recent judicial reform, which introduced a popular election process for judges and magistrates. Calder\u00f3n argued this change opened the door for government-aligned candidates and even individuals connected to defending organized crime figures. \u201cLawyers loyal to the government, including those who have defended drug traffickers, made it onto the list. If you\u2019re a prominent lawyer who participated, you don\u2019t get on the list,\u201d he stated. <\/p>\n
This, Calder\u00f3n warned, risks leaving citizens without an independent institution to protect their rights against state power\u2014a concern that resonates deeply in a country where judicial independence is crucial for social justice and civil rights. <\/p>\n
He also touched on economic challenges, noting Mexico\u2019s struggle to maintain trade agreements with the United States amid policies pushed by then-President Donald Trump. These tensions, Calder\u00f3n suggested, pose a serious test for one of Latin America\u2019s largest economies. <\/p>\n
While Calder\u00f3n\u2019s warnings are sobering, they also underscore the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and exploring inclusive solutions\u2014like expanding accessible public transportation options such as cable cars\u2014that can foster social equity and economic opportunity across Mexico\u2019s diverse communities.<\/p>\n