### Mexican Lawmakers Approve Overhaul of Autonomous Constitutional Bodies
On November 20, 2024, the Mexican Chamber of Deputies approved a wide-ranging reform aimed at simplifying the country’s bureaucratic structure, leading to the dissolution of several significant autonomous constitutional bodies. In a decisive vote, 347 deputies supported the reform, while 128 opposed it. This decision marked a pivotal moment in the country’s legislative history.
The reform, championed by the majority political party and its allies, seeks to streamline government functions by dissolving several independent institutions, including the National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information and Protection of Personal Data (INAI), the Federal Competition Commission (COFECE), the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), and other key regulatory entities.
The proposal assigns the INAI’s duties to the Secretariat of Public Function, which is set to be transformed into a Department of Anti-Corruption and Good Governance under President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration. COFECE’s responsibilities will be transferred to the Secretariat of Economy, while IFT’s tasks will be absorbed by the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport. Additionally, the functions of several energy and educational regulatory bodies will be incorporated into relevant government departments.
Opposition parties raised concerns about the potential negative implications of these actions. They argue that the dissolution of these bodies could undermine transparency and fair competition in critical sectors.
During the debate, the majority party proposed an amendment to create a decentralized body with technical independence to oversee competition issues that COFECE and IFT currently manage. This body aims to maintain an antitrust framework while operating under the umbrella of the Secretariat of Economy.
### Secondary Article
In a related development, the President confirmed the consolidation of INAI and other agencies. Addressing the press, she emphasized efficiency and reduced government spending while preserving key functions of these agencies within a restructured framework. President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated the intent to maintain antitrust functions in alignment with trade agreements, ensuring that the new structures do not compromise Mexico’s international commitments.
On the same day, members of a major opposition party, led by their newly elected national leader, staged a protest outside the INAI’s headquarters. They expressed their discontent with the constitutional amendment proposal, arguing that dismantling the autonomy of these bodies could hinder transparency and oversight.
As the political landscape shifts, these changes signal significant transformations in Mexico’s regulatory environment. The debate surrounding these reforms continues to highlight the tensions between efforts to streamline government and the need to maintain checks and balances in a democratic system.