Freedom of speech in Mexico

The federal government has decided to ignore, attack, and discredit those who oppose its project, instead of opening up to discuss issues or teaming up to find solutions.

After some accused the federal government of going against freedom of speech , EL UNIVERSAL interviewed experts to analyze the topic, as well as the relationship intellectuals and journalists have with the Mexican government. The purpose is to present the opinion of journalists, newscasters, academics, writers, and cartoonists with different points of view, who represent the different ways of thinking regarding the situation between the government, its supporters, and opposers. Moreover, the government’s voice is also present.

During these interviews, many said they have felt attacked or scorned after expressing their opinions.

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On the other hand, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has said that after Francisco I. Madero, he has been the most attacked President in Mexican history. It is curious that regarding attacks on the press , the President compares himself to Madero and not to Porfirio Díaz, or Díaz Ordaz, Echeverría, Salinas de Gortari, Fox, Calderón, or Peña Nieto. Like López Obrador, these presidents were also questioned by the media during their administrations.

As José Carreño Carlón told EL UNIVERSAL a few days ago, the President dismisses criticism against his government project by exposing or discrediting his critics, pushing for public scorn, creating some sort of public lynching or inquisition that results in fewer readers, advertisers, or sponsorship. This becomes a civil death.

This type of censorship is not as direct as before when government departments and officials were in charge of setting the rules. Now the government uses intimidation, looks for flaws or weaknesses as a way to debilitate media and journalists.

This way, the Mexican government has discredited journalists , experts, foreign media, and opposition Governors. Although there aren’t direct attacks against some sectors, the current administration dismisses those who think differently.

The situation in the country requires debates because the two parties don’t listen to each other. The country needs dialogue. During the last 50 years, EL UNIVERSAL has made room for all opinions. If a newspaper can make room for all types of opinions, so can the country.

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