Mexico's new National Development Plan

In order to implement a project in any area of public life, a guiding document is required, a document where the goals are mentioned, and how to achieve them. As required by law , every administration that takes office in Mexico has to present its National Development Plan (PND) before the lower chamber.

The current administration fulfilled this requirement and on April 30 , it delivered the document to Congress . In this document, the Mexican government establishes the priorities of the country in order to achieve “a viable economic development model , political regulation , and coexistence between social sectors.”

The plan is divided into three main categories: politics and government , political and social economy but the axis that connects them is the fight against corruption.

For example, it is mentioned that “the strengthening of the ethical principles will be accompanied by the economic development that will reach a 6% growth rate by the end of the presidential term, with an average of 4% during each presidency ” and “that the resources allocated to finance the social programs will originate from what is saved up from the fight against corruption .”

The document also highlights that the main purpose of the National Public Security Strategy is to “eradicate corruption and reactivate access to justice .”

How to fight corruption ? The National Development Plan proposes to categorize corruption as a serious crime , ban the direct awarding of contracts , the elimination of political immunity , make patrimonial, economic, and interests statements mandatory for government officials .

Nevertheless, the document doesn't mention anything in regards to the consolidation of institutions that will prevail in the future and become a government tool to prevent the mismanagement of public resources . The National Anti-corruption System was created during the previous administration but it was always dismissed and didn't receive official support to establish itself properly. This administration seems to be following the same line.

With the PND , the federal government , and Mexico in general, has a main goal, similar to the one from previous administrations: more welfare and development. Now, the path through which it plans to achieve those goals is different but that doesn't matter if the government is able to improve the quality of life of the Mexican people . Time will tell if this is the right path.

A new corruption scandal

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