**Morena Congressman Proposes Creation of Commission for Dialogue with Drug Cartels**
In a significant development on the political landscape of Mexico, a Morena party Congressman and former PAN president, Manuel de Jesús Espino Barrientos, has proposed the establishment of a “Special Commission for National Reconciliation and Peace.” Espino argues that the commission should engage in dialogue with organized crime groups in an effort to pacify the nation. This controversial suggestion comes amidst ongoing debates about the effectiveness of Mexico’s current security strategies.
Espino, who has a storied history in Mexican politics, underscored that the initiative is not a move towards negotiating with or providing impunity to criminal elements. Instead, he advocates for open dialogues that include all societal stakeholders, including the government and criminals, to build a “culture of peace.” Espino pointed to similar strategies used in other countries that have succeeded without granting impunity for past crimes, emphasizing that offenders should still be held accountable.
Despite past rejections of this idea, Espino plans to present the proposal to the Chamber of Deputies’ Political Coordination Board. His past attempts only received feedback from two cartel groups. The proposal includes commitments from these groups not to appoint or bribe officials and outlines certain unacceptable behaviors. In exchange, the government would refrain from opening new legal actions against cartel leaders, hoping to foster a mutual respect period between both parties.
This proposal was previously discussed during the international forum ‘Security and Justice for a Better Mexico’ in 2022. However, it has yet to receive extensive governmental support. Manuel López Obrador, the president of Mexico at the time, firmly opposed similar measures, stating that there would be no pact or protection for criminals under his administration.
**Secondary Articles**
**López Obrador Rejects Dialogue with Drug Cartels**
In response to Manuel de Jesús Espino Barrientos’s proposal, then-President López Obrador reaffirmed his administration’s stance against any agreements with organized crime. During a press conference, López Obrador criticized past administrations for their alleged complicity with criminal entities, suggesting that a clear boundary must exist between the government and criminal organizations. He stressed the importance of justice and maintained that the existing strategy, focused on peace through justice, would not be altered.
**The Historical Background of Manuel de Jesús Espino Barrientos**
Manuel de Jesús Espino Barrientos, born in Durango in 1959, has had a longstanding career in Mexican politics, spanning several decades and involving multiple roles in both PAN and Morena parties. From serving as the national president of PAN to his recent appointment as director-general of the National College of Professional Technical Education (CONALEP), Espino’s career is marked by both achievements and controversies, including his expulsion from PAN due to political disagreements. His latest proposal seeks to address Mexico’s ongoing security challenges, drawing from his extensive political experience.
These articles present diverse perspectives on the suggestion to engage in dialogue with organized crime, highlighting both the complexities of the issue and the varied political stances in the current Mexican political climate.