By Mexico City
Thousands of demonstrators cloaked in pink marched through cities in Mexico and abroad on Sunday in what they called a “march for democracy” targeting the country’s ruling party in advance of the country’s June 2 elections.
Opposition Stands Strong
The demonstrations, called by Mexico’s opposition parties, advocated for free and fair elections in the Latin American nation and railed against corruption. On the same day, presidential front-runner Claudia Sheinbaum officially registered as a candidate for ruling party Morena.
The Sheinbaum Factor
Sheinbaum is largely seen as a continuation candidate of Mexico’s highly popular populist leader Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Adored by many voters who say he bucked the country’s elite parties from power in 2018 and represents the working class.
Democracy at Risk?
Despite his popularity, the 70-year-old president has faced criticism for moves that some say endanger the country’s democracy. Last year, López Obrador slashed funding for the country’s electoral agency, the National Electoral Institute, and weakened oversight of campaign spending – actions which some fear could “poison democracy itself.” The agency’s color, pink, was used as a symbol by demonstrators.
Controversies Abound
In addition to funding cuts, López Obrador has also come under fire for his treatment of journalists, attacks on Mexico’s judiciary, and claims that judges are part of a conservative conspiracy against his administration.
This march for democracy serves as a powerful statement against perceived threats to democratic principles in Mexico.
Protests in Mexico City
In Mexico City on Sunday, thousands of people dressed in pink gathered in the city’s main plaza chanting “get López out.” Signs declaring “the power of the people is greater than the people in power” could be seen among the crowd.
Opposition Organizations Unite
Various opposition organizations, including National Civic Front, Yes for Mexico, Citizen Power, Civil Society Mexico, UNE Mexico, and United for Mexico, joined the march to voice their dissent. Together, they emphasized the importance of democracy in addressing societal issues.
Call for Participation
Enrique de la Madrid Cordero, a prominent figure from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), called on individuals to join the protests through a video shared on social media. He highlighted the critical role of democracy in solving problems such as water scarcity and hunger.
Nationwide Protests
The demonstration in Mexico City was just one of many held in a hundred cities across Mexico, as well as in cities in the United States and Spain. The widespread participation underscored the growing discontent among the population.
Presidential Support
Despite the protests, the president and his ally Sheinbaum continue to enjoy significant popular support. Sheinbaum maintains a substantial lead in the polls, with 64% of the votes compared to Xóchitl Gálvez’s 31%.
Presidential Response
In response to the protests, President López Obrador criticized the motives behind the demonstrations during his Friday morning press briefing. He questioned whether the organizers truly prioritized democracy or were simply advocating for corruption.
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