Mexico’s Lower House Backs Giving Army Control of National Guard Devdiscourse
go to original September 4, 2022

Update: Proposal to Extend Military Control of Public Safety Moves Ahead (Mexico News Daily)

Mexico’s lower house of Congress passed a bill to give the Army control over the civilian-led National Guard in a controversial move that critics say will unconstitutionally tighten the military’s grip over law and order.

The legislative push marks something of a reversal for leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who promised on the campaign trail to deemphasize the military's control over public security but has presided over record violence during nearly four years in office.

Opposition legislators and activists have criticized the fledgling force for alleged abuses even as Lopez Obrador extends the military's remit into other areas of civilian life. "The initiative puts at risk the validity and respect for human rights and goes against the international standards for public security," Amnesty International said before the vote.

Lopez Obrador wanted to enshrine the changes in the constitution, which includes language that public safety must be led by civilians. But facing stiff opposition, he opted to send lawmakers this week a fast-tracked bill needing just a simple majority vote versus a two-thirds super-majority. If enacted, the legislation would give the Army operational, financial and administrative control of the guard, which currently answers to the civilian-led security ministry.

The bill now moves to the Senate for its consideration, and if passed likely would be challenged as violating the constitution. In fact, former Supreme Court Judge Diego Valades predicts it would be handily struck down by the top court.

Read the rest at Devdiscourse

Related: Mexican President Says He's Changed Mind About Using Army to Keep Peace (Reuters)

Related: Drug Violence Tests Mexico President’s ‘Hugs Not Bullets’ Strategy (Agence France-Presse)

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