Budget Controversies and Violence in Mexico

On December 12, 2024, the Mexican Congress approved a budget of 9 trillion pesos amidst significant political contention and violence. The vote, which saw 353 in favor and 128 against, mainly supported the ruling coalition of Morena, the Green Party, and the Labor Party. Key stakeholders critiqued drastic cuts, including 13 billion pesos less for the National Electoral Institute (INE) as highlights of the new budget. This reduction is expected to imperil the upcoming judicial elections in June, as indicated by INE Councilor Ciro Murayama. Furthermore, nationwide violence persists, with reports of a staggering 73 homicides within a single day, heightening public concerns over security. Notably, the killing of magistrate Edmundo Román Pinzón only added to the escalating tension in Guerrero, a region grappling with organized crime. Protestors from the health sector, echoing long-standing grievances regarding insufficient resources, continued to voice their frustrations across Mexico, questioning the legitimacy of the government's financial allocations. The dynamic of social unrest further complicates the scenario, reflecting a broader societal tension as many people struggle with inadequate healthcare and rampant criminal activity, reinforcing the need for urgent reforms.