Skip to main content
Sour pineapples and sovereignty: Mexico’s right loses the plot
DAVID RABY explains the implications of the judicial reforms under way in Mexico, arguing they cement Morena’s transformation of politics and society — which is why they have met US disapproval and a violent right-wing backlash
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador rings the bell as he gives the annual independence shout from the balcony of the National Palace to kick off Independence Day celebrations at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024

AS explained very well in these pages by Tim Young on September 5, Mexico under outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has been remarkably successful in rolling back privatisation, promoting welfare and infrastructure and reclaiming control over natural resources — and also in neutralising the political right and its discourse.

The result was a crushing victory in the June 2 elections for Morena party candidate Claudia Sheinbaum, the first woman ever to win the presidency, who will take office on October 1.

Equally important, Morena and its allies in the Workers Party (PT) and the Greens (PVEM) won two-thirds of the seats in both houses of the Mexican congress. This exceeded expectations and was a stunning blow to the Establishment: it means that the new congress (which has already taken office on September 1) can pass constitutional amendments.

Morning Star call for advertising
Support the Morning Star
You can read five articles for free every month,
but please consider supporting us by becoming a subscriber.
More from this author
TRANSFORMATION: President Claudia Sheinbaum waves as she arr
Features / 8 February 2025
8 February 2025
By taking a firm stance against the ‘Monroe Doctrine Mk II’ President Sheinbaum has won plaudits from across Mexican society, says DAVID RABY
Claudia Scheinbaum
Features / 2 January 2025
2 January 2025
Mexico’s unflinching stand has earned praise from across Latin America and the world, writes DAVID RABY
Tlahuac poster
Features / 3 July 2024
3 July 2024
Since the election of Claudia Sheinbaum, who is soon to take office, the path ahead is clear for the constitutional and judicial reforms that will help secure the country’s 4T revolution. DAVID RABY reports
President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum waves to supporters at the
Features / 4 June 2024
4 June 2024
Reporting from the polling stations in Mexico, DAVID RABY witnesses a victory for the progressive candidate Claudia Sheinbaum that even the most ardent supporters of Amlo’s ‘4T Transformation’ did not dare to hope for