## Presidential Top: A Look into Rodrigo Borgia’s Rise
Towards the end of the 15th century, specifically in 1492, the same year Christopher Columbus stumbled upon the island of Guanahani in the Bahamas during his voyage to reach the Indies, Rodrigo de Borja ascended to the papal throne, becoming Pope Alexander VI, the 214th pope in the history of the Catholic Church.
At that time, the ecclesiastical structure and dynamics were vastly different from today’s organization. There were only 23 cardinals, often selecting someone from neighboring regions of the Papal States. Rodrigo benefited from the support of Pope Callixtus III, his uncle, who summoned him to the Italian Peninsula, leaving his Spanish roots behind. To better integrate and gain recognition, Rodrigo Italianized his surname from Borja to Borgia, giving rise to the legendary family steeped in controversy.
Despite being part of the clergy, Rodrigo Borgia, like many of his contemporaries, fathered several children, notably Juan, Cesare, and Lucrezia, who played crucial roles in his strategies and alliances. As soon as he became Pope, Borgia made his son Cesare a cardinal. His ambition was to establish the Borgia family as a dynasty akin to the great empires. However, excessive passions and betrayals led to Pope Alexander VI’s demise by poisoning, preventing Cesare from being elected as the Bishop of Rome after renouncing his cardinal vows.
Various accounts circulate about the Borgia family, all peppered with some truth. They all agree that ambition, influence, and whims were key characteristics of the Borgias.
Fast forward more than 530 years later, in the continent discovered with the blessings of such a controversial pope, ambition, influence, and whims remain prevalent, appearing almost as if the lessons of the past had been learned and perfected. Today, decisions are made publicly with popular support, though often the supported measures are poorly understood.
In Mexico, just under two weeks before the current Federal Government’s term ends, significant measures have been hastily implemented. The outgoing President, in a rush, introduced a comprehensive strategy that included leveraging the political party he founded to maintain power. He appointed one of his closest allies, known as “La morena de Andrés Manuel,” and his second son to the national leadership of Morena.
Andy arrived as the Secretary of Organization, with his surname and physical resemblance commanding immediate respect. His arrival was so overwhelming that few noticed or questioned Carolina Rangel, who took the position of Secretary-General of the official party. This appointment seemed more a consolation prize for her electoral defeat and a way to mask the outgoing President’s aggressive maneuvers. Much like in the game of “pirinola,” the President took it all, almost dictating the very manner of governance.
**Postscript**: “Politics is the least exact of all sciences,” Otto Granados.
Sincerely,
Francisco Ruiz, writer, lecturer, doctor in Electoral Law, and associate of the National Institute of Public Administration (INAP).
Email: [email protected]
### Related Articles
#### The Constitutional Reform Ending Judicial Independence (Part Two)
A significant constitutional reform has been implemented, which effectively halts the independence of the judicial power in the country. This move has divided opinions intensely, sparking heated debates among legal experts and political analysts. Some see it as an unwelcome step back for judicial independence, while others argue it is a necessary evolution to maintain checks and balances in government.
#### Hurricane John Revives Nightmare in Acapulco: 13 Dead in Guerrero; AMLO Reports 5
Hurricane John has struck Acapulco, reiterating the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Official reports indicate that 13 individuals have lost their lives, with the President initially reporting only five. This discrepancy has raised questions about the government’s crisis response and transparency.
#### Celebrating Álvaro Blancarte’s Life and Work
The life and artistic contributions of Álvaro Blancarte are being commemorated in cultural events highlighting his influence on contemporary Mexican art. His unique style and commitment to cultural preservation have left an indelible mark, inspiring new generations of artists.