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 News Around the Republic of Mexico | July 2005 
Fox Warns of Return to Authoritarianism
 José Luis Ruiz - El Universal
Days before a planned celebration of the end of single-party rule in Mexico, President Vicente Fox warned the country could be on the verge of a "fatal regression" that could mark the return of authoritarianism.
In an interview with El Universal Thursday, he highlighted his accomplishments and blamed opposition parties for standing in the way of his reforms. He also defended the celebration scheduled for Saturday at Mexico City's Angel of Independence.
"In a democracy there are always risks and we are effectively facing the possibility of falling into a fatal regression," Fox said. "(We are at risk of) falling back to presidential authoritarianism."
If the Mexican people do not choose wisely in 2006, he added, a new president could undermine the separation of powers between the government's branches or accrue massive debt.
The statements seemed to be directed toward Mexico City Mayor Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who was targeted by a federal investigation earlier this year for allegedly ignoring a court order. While the case was eventually dropped, in the buildup Fox repeatedly accused López Obrador of creating programs that were financially unsustainable, and for disrespecting the judicial branch.
He also asked society to recall the mistakes of the former ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) regimes during the 2006 elections.
Regarding his accomplishments since coming to office, Fox said his performance had been positive, despite some failings. He touted greater autonomy among the government branches, more freedom of expression by the media and the end of the president as an all-powerful figure in Mexican politics.
He blamed opposition parties for blocking his agenda, but warned that the next president will likely face the same problem.
"My utmost hope is that the next president will have the capability to reach a consensus to make the opposition willing to accept his proposals," he said.
Saturday's event will commemorate Fox's defeat of the Institutional Ruling Party (PRI) five years ago. The PRI had controlled the nation for 71 years. The day will be especially significant for Fox, as it also marks his 63rd birthday and the fourth anniversary of his wedding with Marta Sahagún.
Former Polish President Lech Walesa the founder of the Solidarity movement that toppled the socialist regime in Poland in 1989-90 will attend the event.
Civic groups sponsoring the event have said it will be nonpartisan, but opposition parties have accused Fox of using the event to boost his National Action Party (PAN) in elections the next day in Nayarit and the State of Mexico.
Fox defended the event, saying, "It is a celebration of the nation's democrats. Fortunately, there are a lot of us." |
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