In a surprising turn of events, the opposition parties in Mexico have made significant decisions regarding their candidates for the 2024 elections.
The alliance formed by the PAN (National Action Party), PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party), and PRD (Party of the Democratic Revolution) known as the Frente Amplio por México, has renounced its democratic processes and collaboration with civil society.
This move has raised eyebrows and sparked controversy, as the traditional rivals, PAN and PRI, have made unexpected choices for their candidates.
PAN’s Nomination of Santiago Taboada
Breaking away from the usual practices of conducting surveys, debates, and citizen participation, the leaders of the Frente Amplio por México alliance have chosen Santiago Taboada as their candidate for the Mexico City mayoral race in 2024.
This decision has bypassed the voices of the people and disregarded the commitment to democratic processes that were once touted as the guiding principles of the alliance. The PAN, known for its historical rivalry with the PRI, has emerged as the dominant force in shaping the opposition’s electoral strategy.
Selection of Santiago Taboada as the opposition’s candidate for Mexico City was a blow to the PRI, reminiscent of their loss in August when Xóchitl Gálvez was chosen as the opposition’s presidential candidate.
This move by the PRI has further weakened the party, which has been losing ground to the rising popularity of Morena, the party led by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The changing political landscape in Mexico has forced the opposition parties to form alliances and unite against the dominant force of Morena.
PRI’s Retreat and Alejandro Moreno’s Leadership
The PRI’s decision to withdraw its own candidate, Adrián Ruvalcaba, in favor of Santiago Taboada came as no surprise. The PRI has been losing support and influential party members for some time now. In July of this year, 320 party members resigned when the party’s core group in the Senate, led by Miguel Ángel Osorio Chong and Claudia Ruiz Massieu, left due to disagreements with the party’s leadership.
Osorio Chong, never one to mince words, criticized the PRI’s leadership, calling Alejandro Moreno “a liar, cynic, and opportunist who buys support by promising candidacies and leadership positions, while offending party members.”
Alejandro Moreno, also known as Alito, has been facing numerous legal battles, including accusations of influence peddling and misappropriation of funds. His questionable maneuvers in favor of Morena in Congress have angered his alliance partners, who question his motives and personal interests.
Despite his claims of political prowess and categorically denying any ulterior motives, Moreno’s enthusiastic support for the PAN’s candidates raises eyebrows and undermines his credibility within the alliance.
Fragile Alliance and PAN’s Influence
The alliance formed by the PAN, PRI, and PRD is a fragile one, united primarily by the need to stand a chance against the dominant Morena party. The PAN has been successful in asserting its influence within the alliance, as evidenced by its imposition of candidates for both the presidential and mayoral races.
This has further weakened the PRI, which has seen an exodus of party members and is now losing even more ground to the PAN.
While Xóchitl Gálvez, the opposition’s presidential candidate, has managed to avoid controversy and criticism, the same cannot be said for the PAN’s chosen candidate for Mexico City, Santiago Taboada.
Abrupt departure of Adrián Ruvalcaba from the PRI after a heated phone conversation with Alito highlights the growing discontent within the party. The PAN’s ability to secure the nomination of Taboada showcases its growing influence and strategic maneuvering within the alliance.
The Unsettled Departure of Ruvalcaba and Gálvez’s Response
Adrián Ruvalcaba’s departure from the PRI was not without drama. Conflicting statements and confusing press releases surrounding his exit implicated Xóchitl Gálvez, the opposition’s presidential candidate.
Gálvez, however, defended herself, stating that she was unaware of the details due to being out of the city and having limited communication. Ruvalcaba, on the other hand, claimed that Gálvez had been pressured by the PAN to prevent a democratic process and select a candidate for Mexico City.
In an attempt to maintain unity within the alliance, Gálvez closed the chapter on the controversy by publicly endorsing Santiago Taboada as the opposition’s candidate for Mexico City. Despite the calls for unity, the PRI’s actions continue to strain the alliance.
Alejandro Moreno’s alignment with PAN candidates creates further divisions and raises questions about his allegiance and hidden agendas.
Fragility of the PRI and the Future of the Alliance
Upcoming 2024 elections will be a defining moment for the PRI. The success of the alliance’s candidates will undoubtedly be claimed as victories by the PAN, as they have successfully pushed their own candidates forward.
The fate of the PRI will be tested, and it remains to be seen whether Alito’s efforts to secure concessions and support from the PAN will pay off. The party’s future hangs in the balance, and the impact of these decisions will be felt for years to come.
Conclusion
Frente Amplio por México alliance’s abandonment of democratic processes and collaboration with civil society has raised concerns about the future of Mexican politics. The PAN’s nomination of Santiago Taboada for the Mexico City mayoral race and the PRI’s retreat from its own candidates highlight the shifting dynamics within the opposition.
The influence and strategic maneuvering of the PAN have weakened the PRI, further eroding the party’s support. As the 2024 elections approach, the fate of the PRI and the alliance will be determined, and the impact of these decisions will shape the future of Mexican politics.