Zedillo Decries Mexico’s “Destroyed” Democratic Pillars as Sheinbaum Rejects the Charge

Overview

• Former president Ernesto Zedillo is quoted asserting that Mexico’s democratic foundations have been “totally destroyed” over the past seven years and blaming Andrés Manuel López Obrador and President Claudia Sheinbaum.
• Sheinbaum responded publicly on Oct. 28, accusing Zedillo of antidemocratic practices during his tenure and insisting Mexico has greater democracy today than under his administration.
• Opinion columns this week amplify Zedillo’s critique, alleging that reforms under Morena weakened checks and balances through changes to the judiciary, oversight bodies and electoral rules, and by expanding military roles.
• The commentary also claims a hostile climate for independent media and portrays official communications as propaganda, while asserting capture of institutions such as INE, the electoral tribunal and the Supreme Court.
• Some pieces go further with unverified allegations of cartel financing and cite violence and disappearances as evidence of state failure, underscoring the polarized and claim-driven nature of the debate.