**Baja California Legislature to Reconsider Abolition of Autonomous Bodies**
In a significant development, the Baja California Congress is set to vote once again on a proposal aimed at dissolving several autonomous agencies. This reform, actively supported by Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, seeks to streamline governance by eliminating these entities. Despite a previous attempt failing to garner sufficient votes on November 30th, the proposal remains a pressing topic for lawmakers.
The initial vote saw the reform backed by 16 votes from the Morena party and its allies, while 7 opposition members voted against it. Crucially, two Morena legislators, Michelle Sánchez Allende and Araceli Geraldo, were absent due to personal reasons. This absence was noted by Governor Ávila Olmeda, as their presence might have swayed the result.
The targeted autonomous bodies include the Council for the Evaluation of Social Development Policies (Coneval), National Hydrocarbons Commission (CNH), Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), Federal Economic Competition Commission (Cofece), National System for Continuous Improvement of Education, and the National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and Data Protection (INAI). Additionally, the functions of the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) and Cofece are set to be merged.
The vote is scheduled for 5:00 PM as part of the new legislative session, with expectations high for the reform’s passage.
**Secondary Update: Broader Context and Ongoing Discussions**
Beyond the state of Baja California, the debate over the abolition and merging of autonomous bodies reflects a larger national conversation on governance and efficiency in Mexico. Proponents argue that such reforms can reduce bureaucracy and improve resource allocation, while critics contend that it might undermine transparency and oversight.
Nearby states are closely watching the outcome, as it could influence similar legislative moves around the country. Observers are particularly interested in how these changes might impact critical sectors like energy and education.
This legislative action highlights broader tensions between Mexico’s central government and local entities, as both seek to navigate the complexities of governance in a modern economy. As the vote approaches, all eyes remain on Baja California and its implications for the future political landscape.