Mexico: An incongruous austerity

In November 2019 , the federal government organized a parade and a representation of the Mexican Revolution and in January 2020 it spent over MXN $10 million to celebrate Three Kings Day in 13 government departments including ministries , hospitals , security bodies , electoral institutions , and the Supreme Court .

These millions were mainly used to purchase food such as Three Kings Cake and hamburgers , as well as toys , Moreover, the money was used to pay for different services and shows, such as a private circus show for the workers of the Finance Ministry ; however, the circus was hired without following the rules that dictate that large expenses must be up for contest.

Furthermore, the most notable case is the Federal Police . This institution gave its workers with small children a special bonus , which amounted to over MXN $6 million. Another case was registered in the Supreme Court , which gave cash to its trade union since it is forced to provide a bonus during celebrations.

For a government that has embraced austerity as its banner, this measure should apply to everyone; nevertheless, there are many privileges bureaucrats have maintained, for example, the Benito Juárez of Oaxaca Autonomous University’ s trade union demanded that the state government purchases land , builds homes , and gives them to them on the contrary, they will start a strike .

This shows that many bureaucrats still have many privileges while there are shortages in other areas, which as justified by the fight against corruption and republican austerity . When there are protests for the lack of products or shortages , the government insists that it is a resistance against change, the defense of obscure interests, or the resistance against corruption networks . The government should be more consistent .

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