**Government Officially Shuts Down Seven Autonomous Bodies, Including the INAI**
The federal government has announced the dissolution of seven autonomous constitutional bodies in a recent decree published in the evening edition of the Federal Official Gazette on January 20, 2024. This action involved amendments and additions to 14 constitutional articles agreed upon by the Congress of the Union. This significant decision marks the end of the National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information and Protection of Personal Data (INAI), the Federal Economic Competition Commission (COFECE), the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT), the National Council for the Evaluation of Social Development Policy (CONEVAL), the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), the National Hydrocarbons Commission (CNH), and the National Commission for the Continuous Improvement of Education (MEJORADU).
The roles and responsibilities of these bodies will be transferred to various governmental departments. The INAI’s functions will move to the Secretariat of Public Administration (SFP), which President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has proposed to transform into the Secretariat of Anti-Corruption and Good Governance. COFECE will become part of the Secretariat of Economy (SE), and the IFT will be integrated into the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT). Additionally, the responsibilities of CONEVAL will be transferred to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).
The functions of the CNH and CRE will be managed by the Energy Secretariat (SENER), and the System for Continuous Improvement of Education will be moved to the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP). The Congress, using its constitutional authority, declared these changes under Article 135 of the Mexican Constitution, with approval from a majority of state legislatures and Mexico City. Sergio Carlos Gutiérrez Luna, President of the Chamber of Deputies, declared the constitutional reforms valid on November 10, 2024, after securing approval from 21 local legislatures. The savings generated from the dissolution of these bodies are expected to fund the Pension Fund for Welfare.
In response, the INAI expressed concerns that its dissolution could complicate the full exercise of information access rights and personal data protection in Mexico. Securing quick and efficient processes and tools for these rights is deemed essential for a just and democratic nation. The INAI highlighted its significant contributions to uncovering high-profile cases in recent years, including clandestine graves in San Fernando and investigative cases like Ayotzinapa, among others.
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**Another Angle on the Autonomous Bodies’ Extinction: Impact and Reactions**
The decision to dissolve these autonomous bodies has sparked widespread discussion and concern among various stakeholders. Critics argue that the dissolution could undermine checks and balances, potentially affecting the transparency and accountability of information. The move is seen by many as a step backward for governance standards in Mexico.
Some political analysts have highlighted the potential implications for public access to unbiased information and the ability to effectively regulate and oversee economic competition, telecommunications, and energy sectors, raising questions about the concentration of power.
Moreover, the transition of responsibilities to existing departments calls for substantial restructuring efforts that may require time to effectively implement without disruption. There is a pressing call for secondary regulation to ensure that the civilian oversight previously provided by autonomous bodies is maintained, thereby safeguarding democratic principles and rights.
In light of this development, civil society organizations and international observers have urged the Mexican government to outline clear strategies for maintaining transparency and public trust during the transition phase. The global spotlight is on Mexico, watching how these changes unfold and are managed in practice.