Mexico Senate Votes to Abolish Regulatory Agencies

The Mexican Senate has voted to abolish seven independent regulatory agencies, including the National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and Protection of Personal Data (INAI), raising significant concerns about governmental transparency and accountability. Supporters, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, argue that the move will reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and save approximately $5 billion, with funds redirected to social programs and military salaries. Critics, however, contend that this dismantling represents a step back for democracy, as these agencies were established to ensure checks and balances following Mexico's transition to democracy in 2000. The proposal has already passed both houses of Congress and is expected to be ratified by state legislatures dominated by Sheinbaum’s Morena party. Opposition leaders have condemned the decision as an authoritarian move that jeopardizes public access to information and may lead to increased corruption. The situation has sparked widespread debate regarding the future of democracy in Mexico.