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City Bar Statement Regarding the Elimination of Independent Agencies in Mexico
The Vance Center signed on to a statement by the New York City Bar Association expressing concern about a measure to eliminate autonomous agencies in Mexico and consolidate the functions of these independent agencies in the Executive Branch.
También disponible en español aquí
In a new report, the New York City Bar Association expressed serious concern about a measure approved last week by Mexico’s Congress that would eliminate seven autonomous agencies in Mexico and consolidate the functions of these independent agencies under the executive branch. The reform “represents a significant threat to institutional independence and democratic principles that guarantee transparency, accountability, and protection of fundamental rights in Mexico,” the statement says.
The report emphasizes the essential role of these autonomous agencies within Mexico’s democracy, where they “serve as checks on executive power, promoting the separation of powers and strengthening democratic governance” and enable key reforms related to human rights, transparency, and economic development.
It outlines the history of these agencies and the efforts under former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and current President Claudia Sheinbaum to dissolve these agencies and integrate their functions into existing executive institutions, presented as a measure to reduce government spending and bureaucracy.
“Eliminating these autonomous bodies would weaken the state’s oversight capabilities and reduce protections for citizens’ rights,” the statement says, noting that “the right to access information is fundamental in a democratic system because it enables accountability and supports freedom of expression as a public good.”
The report urges Mexican lawmakers to reconsider the proposal and undertake a more extensive debate to consider the impact of this reform on Mexico’s institutions and society.
“The New York City Bar Association calls on the Mexican government and legislators to reconsider this proposal and to prioritize strengthening transparency and accountability mechanisms. A broad, inclusive debate with civil society, experts, and international organizations is essential to fully evaluate the impact of these measures and to preserve democratic principles, transparency, and human rights gains in Mexico,” it says.
The City Bar’s Inter-American Affairs Committee also signed on to the statement.
Read the full report in English here:
Statement Regarding the Elimination of Independent Agencies in Mexico