Mexican Political Scientist Calls Current Politics 'Negative,' Cites Democratic Erosion

Mexican political scientist José Woldenberg has characterized the current state of Mexican politics as a significant regression, deeming his overall assessment "negative." In his latest book, "Ansiolíticos. Miscelánea crítica de la vida pública," Woldenberg compiles his journalistic writings, which, while touching on personal interests like football and literature, primarily focus on his critical analysis of the nation's political trajectory.

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My assessment of Mexico in politics is negative.

He expresses deep frustration over what he perceives as the dismantling of democratic institutions built since 1976. Woldenberg specifically condemns the establishment of a qualified supermajority in the Chamber of Deputies, which he argues violates constitutional precepts. He also criticizes the perceived weakening of the judiciary and the alignment of the Supreme Court with the ruling party, as well as the integration of the National Guard into the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena).

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I have systematically criticized how much of what was built in terms of politics to democratize the country has simply been destroyed.

"I have systematically criticized how much of what was built in terms of politics to democratize the country has simply been destroyed," Woldenberg stated. He highlighted the creation of a supermajority in the Chamber of Deputies by translating votes into seats in a manner he deems unconstitutional, and the undermining of the judicial power, particularly the Supreme Court, to ensure its alignment with the government.

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The frustration persists because things have not changed. I believe that from 1976 onwards, the political forces of our country made a genuine effort to create an institutional scenario where diversity could be recreated, and I believe that since 2018, much of what was built has been dynamited, hence that frustration.

Despite his strong criticisms of the political landscape, Woldenberg acknowledges certain policy achievements of the current administration. He points to the increase in minimum wages and economic transfers to various groups, noting that according to INEGI, poverty has been significantly reduced. However, he maintains that these positive economic aspects do not offset his profound disappointment with the political direction, which he describes as an "involución" or regression, driven by a lack of observation of the country's political diversity and a tendency to view politics as a zero-sum game.

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We should rescue one matter, which is the increase in minimum wages and, if you will, also the economic transfers to different groups, because according to INEGI, poverty has been abated by a very important percentage, and I think that must be recognized.