Mexico transfers National Guard to military control, amid backlash

Lauren Taylor

THE SENATE OF MEXICO HAS APPROVED TO PLACE THE NATIONAL GUARD UNDER THE COMMAND OF THE ARMED FORCES.

CRITICS SAY THIS MOVEMENT GIVES TOO MUCH POWER TO THE MILITARY OVER LAW AND ORDER.

THIS AMENDMENT TO AMEND THE COUNTRY’S CONSTITUTION GIVES OUTGOING PRESIDENT “ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR” ANOTHER VICTORY DAYS BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE ON SEPTEMBER 30.

When LOPEZ-OBRADOR entered office in 20-18… he hinted that after years of fighting the drug cartels, the military would take the military off the streets.

FAST FORWARD TO THE END OF ITS SIX-YEAR TERM… THE MILITARY IS STILL THERE AND WILL NOW TAKE OVER MANAGEMENT OF THE NATIONAL GUARD, WHICH HAS APPROXIMATELY 120 THOUSAND MEMBERS.

LOPEZ-ORBADOR CREATED THE NATIONAL GUARD, which would essentially act as the national police shortly after taking office. HE PLACED THE SURVEILLANCE UNDER CIVILIAN CONTROL TO ADDRESS CONCERNS ABOUT THE INFLUENCE OF THE MILITARY ON PUBLIC SECURITY.

DURING HIS ADMINISTRATION, LOPEZ-OBRADOR HAS DUTIES ASSUMED BY CITIZENS… TO THE MILITARY… INCLUDING CONTROL OF COMMERCIAL AVIATION AND SUPERVISION OF THE COUNTRY’S PORTS.

ALL TOGETHER, THE MEXICAN ARMY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR AT LEAST 245 TASKS MORE THAN 15 YEARS EARLIER.

PRESIDENT-elect CLAUDIA SHEINBAUM, WHO IS EXPECTED TO BE LOPEZ-OBRADOR’S SUCCESSOR… HAS SUPPORTED THE MEASURES.

TO SAN I AM… LAUREN TAYLOR.

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