Mexico in Turmoil Over Radical Constitutional Change

President's Last-Minute Push Sparks Protests and Debate

Mexico's President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), has proposed a constitutional amendment that would give the military greater control over the country's security and other areas. The proposal has sparked protests and debate, with critics arguing that it would undermine democracy and human rights.

The proposed amendment would make the military responsible for law enforcement, internal security, and intelligence gathering. It would also give the military control over the National Guard, a new security force created by AMLO in 2019.

Critics of the amendment say that it would give the military too much power and could lead to human rights abuses. They also argue that the military is not trained to handle law enforcement and that giving it greater control over security would undermine Mexico's democracy.

Supporters of the amendment say that it is necessary to address the country's high levels of violence. They argue that the military is better equipped than the police to fight crime and that it would be more effective in protecting citizens.

The debate over the proposed amendment has become increasingly heated in recent weeks, with both sides holding protests and rallies. AMLO has defended the amendment, saying that it is necessary to protect Mexico from its enemies. However, critics have accused him of trying to consolidate power and undermine democracy.

The proposed amendment is currently being debated in the Mexican Congress. It is unclear whether it will be passed, but the debate is likely to continue for some time.

Timeline of Events

* **May 2021:** President AMLO proposes a constitutional amendment that would give the military greater control over security and other areas. * **June 2021:** The proposed amendment is introduced in the Mexican Congress. * **July 2021:** Protests and rallies are held both in support of and against the proposed amendment. * **August 2021:** The debate over the proposed amendment becomes increasingly heated. * **September 2021:** The proposed amendment is currently being debated in the Mexican Congress.

Key Players

* **Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO):** President of Mexico since 2018. He is a controversial figure who has been accused of authoritarianism. * **National Guard:** A new security force created by AMLO in 2019. It is currently under the control of the Mexican military. * **Mexican Congress:** The legislative body of Mexico. It is currently debating the proposed constitutional amendment.

Key Issues

* **Human rights:** Critics of the proposed amendment say that it would undermine human rights by giving the military greater control over law enforcement. * **Democracy:** Critics also argue that the amendment would undermine democracy by giving the military too much power. * **Violence:** Supporters of the amendment say that it is necessary to address the country's high levels of violence.

Conclusion

The proposed constitutional amendment in Mexico is a controversial issue that has sparked protests and debate. The amendment would give the military greater control over security and other areas. Critics argue that it would undermine democracy and human rights, while supporters say that it is necessary to address the country's high levels of violence. The debate over the amendment is likely to continue for some time.