Morena Deputies Aim to Revise Senate's Anti-Nepotism Reform: A Push for 2027 Implementation

The Morena parliamentary group in the Chamber of Deputies is preparing to challenge the Senate's modifications to President Claudia Sheinbaum's anti-nepotism initiative. Gabriela Jiménez, vice-coordinator of Morena in San Lázaro, announced that they are «seeking to revert the change made by the senators» (Chávez, 2024). This move signals a determined effort to align the reform with the original proposal and ensure its enforcement begins in 2027 rather than 2030.

The Core of the Dispute: Implementation Timeline

The crux of the issue lies in the implementation timeline. The Senate, under pressure from the PVEM, altered the original proposal to delay the enforcement of the anti-nepotism law until the 2030 presidential election. Morena deputies, however, are steadfast in their commitment to the initial 2027 timeline. Jiménez emphasized, «We want the original proposal to be respected and to come into effect from 2027, not until 2030» (Chávez, 2024). This difference in perspective is setting the stage for a significant legislative showdown.

Legislative Strategy: Building Consensus for Reversal

Morena is not only aiming to revert the Senate's change but also intends to build a broad consensus with other political forces. Jiménez expressed confidence that Morena and its allies will «correct the reservation approved by the Upper House to guarantee the transparency of electoral processes and eliminate practices that perpetuate nepotism» (Chávez, 2024). This collaborative approach underscores the importance of the reform and the necessity of securing widespread support.

The Broader Goal: Strengthening Democracy and Renewing Leadership

The anti-nepotism reform is part of a larger effort to strengthen democracy and promote a constant renewal of public office. According to Jiménez (2024), «We will support our President to strengthen democracy with a constant renewal of public positions and give opportunity to new leaders who represent the will of the Mexican people.» This commitment to democratic values is a driving force behind the push for reform.

Key Aspects of the Reform: Transparency and Equal Opportunity

The reform seeks to ensure that public service reflects the popular will and prevents the concentration of power in family groups. The goal is to foster equal opportunities for all citizens. As Jiménez (2024) highlighted, «The objective of this reform is that 'public service reflects the popular will and avoids the concentration of power in family groups, thus promoting equal opportunities for all citizens'.»

Legislative Process: From Committee to Plenary

The legislative process is already underway. The preliminary draft of the reform is scheduled for discussion in the San Lázaro committees. Subsequently, it will be forwarded to the Board of Directors for debate and voting in the Plenary of the Chamber of Deputies. Jiménez (2024) expressed confidence that the article approved by the Senate will be reversed, allowing the prohibition of nepotism in elections from 2027.

Citizen Demand: Rejecting Privileges and Nepotism

There is a clear demand from citizens to renew political and administrative representation without privileges or nepotism. According to Jiménez (2024), «The citizen demand is clear: renew the political, legislative and public administration representation, without privileges or nepotism.» This public sentiment is a key factor driving Morena's efforts to push through the reform.

Expected Outcomes: Transparency, Impartiality, and Meritocracy

The reform is expected to strengthen transparency and impartiality in electoral processes, eradicate cronyism and influence peddling, and ensure that public positions are occupied by individuals with capabilities and merits, not family ties. Jiménez (2024) stated that the reform «will strengthen transparency and impartiality in electoral processes, eradicate cronyism and influence peddling and guarantee that public positions are occupied by people with capabilities and merits, not family ties.»

Senate's Approval with Modifications: A Point of Contention

Despite the overall approval, the Senate's modification, driven by pressure from the PVEM, to delay the law's implementation until 2030 has become a point of contention. This change has sparked significant debate and criticism, particularly from opposition parties. The modification was presented by Adán Augusto López, on behalf of Manuel Velasco, and approved by the Morena majority.

The Other Side of the Coin: Re-election Prohibition

While the implementation timeline for the anti-nepotism law is being debated, another part of the initiative, which prohibits the re-election of legislators and mayors, was approved in its original terms and will also apply from 2027.

Looking Ahead: Unanimity and Criticism

The reform to Articles 40 and 19 of the Constitution was generally approved unanimously but faced severe criticism from opposition members. The confrontation escalated when the modification was presented, leading to heated exchanges and a contentious vote. The coming days will be crucial as the Chamber of Deputies deliberates on the Senate's changes and decides on the path forward for this critical reform.

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