Claudia Sheinbaum and MORENA: A Socialist Analysis

The next presidential election in Mexico will take place on June 2nd, 2024. Puntorojo will be hosting a debate on how revolutionary socialists should assess the MORENA Party and their candidate Claudia Sheinbaum, who is favored to win. In the following piece, US-based Mexican socialist Josué Ammerman shares his perspective. 

Imagine a Mexico where the gap between the rich and the poor diminishes, where everyone has access to quality education and healthcare, and where the environment is protected. That is the vision articulated by Claudia Sheinbaum, the woman leading the race to become the next president of Mexico. She is not your typical politician. A scientist by training with a Ph.D. in energy engineering, Sheinbaum is not only passionate about her country; she has the brains and experience to back that up. She served as mayor of Mexico City for five years, tackling tough issues such as inequality, crime, and pollution. Her story is inspiring. Born in Mexico City in 1962, Sheinbaum comes from a family of activists who fought for democracy and social justice during the historic student movement of 1968. That fighting spirit right runs deep in her veins. 

A Bridge between the Old and the New

She is a bridge between the old and the new. As a progressive leader, Sheinbaum embraces fresh ideas while respecting Mexico's rich cultural heritage. She has a plan to modernize the country without sacrificing its identity. But most importantly, she is a beacon of hope. In a time of division and uncertainty, Sheinbaum offers a vision of a united Mexico where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. She is the leader that Mexico needs to heal its wounds and build a brighter future for all. During her tenure as head of government of Mexico City, Sheinbaum has implemented notable progressive policies. These include the construction of Metro Line 12, connecting the south to the city center; the introduction of a scholarship program for low-income students; and the approval of a pension system reform. Her contribution to the creation of two universities has strengthened access to higher education. 

Sheinbaum presents herself as the successor of the Fourth Transformation, initiated by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in 2018. This transformation aims to consolidate achievements through concrete proposals, such as the construction of the “second floor,” focusing on strengthening citizen participation, transparency, and accountability to consolidate democracy and the rule of law. Additionally, it seeks to expand and create social programs to reduce inequality and poverty, addressing the most vulnerable groups. It also focuses on promoting investments in renewable energies, protecting forests, and fostering sustainable agriculture to ensure environmentally responsible development.

Challenges and Criticisms of Sheinbaum and MORENA

Despite her evident commitment to social and economic transformation, there are areas where the MORENA party, to which Sheinbaum belongs, must make significant improvements. During the primary elections, there were reports of irregularities related to Claudia Sheinbaum's confirmation. The representative of the ruling party, Mario Delgado, announced that Sheinbaum would be appointed coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Fourth Transformation, automatically making her the presidential candidate for the 2024 election. Additionally, the MORENA party has faced criticism for the management of the Tren Maya, which promised to improve conditions in towns near the train construction. However, this improvement has not been confirmed so far, not to mention potential environmental damages. Furthermore, Mexican socialist have observed that current president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's “Fourth Transformation” is not all that it seems:  

The image of the Fourth Transformation (4T) as portrayed by its sympathizers on the international Left contrasts greatly with reality. The AMLO government has wanted to create the idea that it is a force that fights for Latin American emancipation as an anti-imperialist force, when in fact it is quite the opposite.

The policies of the current government of Mexico are a mirror image of the nationalist policies pursued before the neoliberal turn that hit Mexico from 1985 to 2018. This administration is pursuing a capitalist development project [that remains in] economic and political subordination to U.S. imperialism…The representatives of Obradorismo are in reality nostalgic for that period when the party-state had full control of all institutions and state corporations but lacked any kind of workers’ democracy and were controlled by bureaucrats and charros (corrupt union leaders…)

Despite these criticisms of AMLO, Sheinbaum demonstrates a valuable commitment to citizen participation, transparency, and accountability, representing a positive step in the right direction. These principles are essential to strengthen Democracy and foster a government more responsive to the needs of the masses. Her emphasis on social programs to mitigate inequality and poverty aligns with the goals of the socialist movement, as these programs have the potential to improve the material conditions of the working masses and reduce the socio-economic gap.

However, it is crucial to highlight that Sheinbaum's proposals—while significant advances—are not sufficient for real socialism to be constructed. The vision of 'socialism from below' demands deeper transformations in the economic and social system, such as the socialization of the means of production, the implementation of democratic economic planning, and the abolition of social classes.

Claudia Sheinbaum emerges as a hopeful figure for Mexico, offering a vision of transformation that addresses inequalities and promotes citizen participation. However, it is essential to acknowledge the criticisms and challenges she faces, especially in key areas such as primary elections and public transportation management. The call for the creation of a public energy company reflects her commitment, but the discussion about state control versus management by the working masses underscores the need to thoroughly consider socialist implications.

From a socialist perspective, supporting candidates like Sheinbaum involves more than endorsing their current proposals; it entails the ongoing commitment of the working masses in the struggle for significant reforms. While Sheinbaum represents a potential change, it is imperative for the Mexican working class to organize actively and democratically demand the implementation of promised reforms—regardless of who is in power.

Ultimately, the path to socialism requires deeper changes in the economic and social structure, and Sheinbaum, although a step in the right direction, cannot be seen as the definitive solution. True progress lies in the constant mobilization and organization of the working masses, serving as the driving force for transformative and revolutionary changes in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

Josué Ammerman is a Mexican anticapitalist activist and writer based in Los Ángeles, California.