On November 28, 2024, the Mexican Senate, dominated by the ruling MORENA party and its allies, approved the dissolution of the National Institute for Access to Information and Data Protection (INAI). This decision follows the earlier abolition of the judiciary as an independent check on executive power, enacted on September 15, 2024, by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO).
The INAI, operational for 22 years, has played a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability in the Mexican government. Its removal has sparked widespread concern among citizens and international observers, who view it as a significant step away from democratic governance.
Critics argue that these changes reflect a shift towards authoritarianism reminiscent of the era of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which dominated Mexican politics for 70 years. The PRI was known for its manipulation of justice and suppression of dissent, a legacy that many fear is being revived under the current administration.
Supporters of the reforms claim they are necessary to streamline government operations and eliminate what they see as bureaucratic inefficiencies. However, the lack of independent oversight raises alarms about potential abuses of power and a return to opaque governance.
Historically, the INAI has been instrumental in uncovering corruption and promoting accountability. Its dissolution is viewed as a direct attack on the mechanisms that have allowed civil society to hold the government accountable.
As the political landscape in Mexico evolves, the implications of these changes for democracy and human rights remain to be seen. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with many calling for the restoration of independent institutions to safeguard democratic principles.