**San Lázaro Promotes Reform to Dissolve INAI and Other Autonomous Bodies**
On November 6, 2024, the Directing Board of the Chamber of Deputies in the Union Congress moved forward with the publicity of three constitutional reform bills set to be discussed and possibly approved next week. Among these is a reform that aims to dissolve seven autonomous constitutional bodies. The affected organizations include the National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information and Personal Data Protection (INAI), the Federal Commission of Economic Competition (COFECE), and the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), among others.
This proposed reform would see the functions of INAI transferred to the Secretariat of the Civil Service, under the leadership of Raquel Buenrostro Sánchez. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has suggested transforming this body into the Secretariat of Anti-Corruption and Good Governance. Similarly, COFECE’s responsibilities would shift to the Secretariat of Economy, while IFT’s roles would be taken over by the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation. Further restructuring includes relocating the Council for the Evaluation of Social Development Policy (CONEVAL) duties to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).
Additionally, the reform details the closure of the National Hydrocarbons Commission (CNH) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), with their functions being absorbed by the Secretariat of Energy. The National System for Continuous Improvement of Education would also be merged into the Secretariat of Public Education.
Moreover, the Directing Board publicized another reform extending the list of offenses warranting pre-trial detention. Newly included are extortion, small-scale drug dealing, production and distribution of synthetic drugs like fentanyl, tax fraud, and fraudulent issuance or purchase of tax receipts and invoices.
A third measure under discussion prohibits animal cruelty, including the raising and use of animals for human consumption, with the Mexican state being mandated to ensure proper treatment, conservation, and care of animals.
**Secondary Article: Developments in Mexico’s Political Landscape**
Amid ongoing debates around the proposed reforms, Mexico’s political scene is witnessing a divide over the restructuring plan. Critics argue that dissolving independent bodies like the INAI could undermine transparency and weaken democratic institutions. Supporters, including President Sheinbaum, defend the move as a step towards streamlining government functions and enhancing anti-corruption efforts.
In parallel, heightened discussions are taking place on extending the list of offenses justifying pre-trial detention, a measure seen as crucial for national security yet controversial for its potential to infringe on civil liberties. As Mexico navigates these reforms, observers are keenly watching to gauge the impact on governance and public accountability.
For the latest updates and in-depth analysis on these reforms, continue following TJGringo.com as we bring you comprehensive coverage of Mexico’s evolving political landscape.