Skip to main content
Mexico steps up anti-corruption measures and support for Cuba
DAVID RABY looks at recent political initiatives by President Lopez Obrador and their potential impact on Latin America and beyond
Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador

AS THINGS stand Mexican ex-presidents have immunity from prosecution, but last year the current president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (Amlo) persuaded Congress and the Supreme Court to authorise a referendum (“consultation”) on changing this so as to end impunity. The vote will take place on Sunday August 1 2021.

The last five presidents at least are suspected of massive corruption and human rights abuses. 

Amlo already ended his own judicial immunity, and it is obviously absurd that former presidents should enjoy a privilege denied to the incumbent.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
TRANSFORMATION: President Claudia Sheinbaum waves as she arr
Features / 8 February 2025
8 February 2025
By taking a firm stance against the ‘Monroe Doctrine Mk II’ President Sheinbaum has won plaudits from across Mexican society, says DAVID RABY
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum
Features / 2 January 2025
2 January 2025
Mexico’s unflinching stand has earned praise from across Latin America and the world, writes DAVID RABY
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador rings the bell
Features / 17 September 2024
17 September 2024
DAVID RABY explains the implications of the judicial reforms under way in Mexico, arguing they cement Morena’s transformation of politics and society — which is why they have met US disapproval and a violent right-wing backlash
EDUCATION FIRST: A poster at the Tlahuac heath centre, in th
Features / 3 July 2024
3 July 2024
Since the election of Claudia Sheinbaum, who is soon to take office, the path ahead is clear for the constitutional and judicial reforms that will help secure the country’s 4T revolution. DAVID RABY reports
Similar stories
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador rings the bell
Features / 17 September 2024
17 September 2024
DAVID RABY explains the implications of the judicial reforms under way in Mexico, arguing they cement Morena’s transformation of politics and society — which is why they have met US disapproval and a violent right-wing backlash
President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum waves to supporters at the
Features / 4 June 2024
4 June 2024
Reporting from the polling stations in Mexico, DAVID RABY witnesses a victory for the progressive candidate Claudia Sheinbaum that even the most ardent supporters of Amlo’s ‘4T Transformation’ did not dare to hope for
Confetti showers presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum, r
Features / 1 June 2024
1 June 2024
From Mexico, DAVID RABY reports that although Morena’s candidate is expected to win, unless that victory is outright and massive, the nation’s recent bold programme of progress could be subverted by the right
Mexican presidential hopeful Claudia Sheinbaum (centre) gree
Features / 22 May 2024
22 May 2024
With elections coming up next month, the race is on to decide who will be the presidential successor to popular leftwinger Amlo, says TONY BURKE