Mexico’s lower house backs giving Army control of National Guard

By Diego Oré

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Mexico’s decrease home of Congress early on Saturday handed a invoice to present the Military management over the civilian-led Nationwide Guard in a controversial transfer that critics say will unconstitutionally tighten the navy’s grip over regulation and order.

The legislative push marks one thing of a reversal for leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who promised on the marketing campaign path to deemphasize the navy’s management over public safety however has presided over report violence throughout almost 4 years in workplace.

The Nationwide Guard police power started working in early 2019 on the behest of Lopez Obrador, who argued the brand new regulation enforcement company would finish rampant corruption underneath its predecessor, the Federal Police.

Opposition legislators and activists have criticized the fledgling power for alleged abuses whilst Lopez Obrador extends the navy’s remit into different areas of civilian life.

“The initiative places in danger the validity and respect for human rights and goes towards the worldwide requirements for public safety,” Amnesty Worldwide mentioned earlier than the vote.

Lopez Obrador needed to enshrine the adjustments within the structure, which incorporates language that public security should be led by civilians. However going through stiff opposition, he opted to ship lawmakers this week a fast-tracked invoice needing only a easy majority vote versus a two-thirds super-majority.

If enacted, the laws would give the Military operational, monetary and administrative management of the guard, which at present solutions to the civilian-led safety ministry. 

The invoice now strikes to the Senate for its consideration, and if handed possible can be challenged as violating the structure.

In truth, former Supreme Court docket Decide Diego Valades predicts it will be handily struck down by the highest court docket.

“It is clear it will not prevail,” he mentioned, including that if signed into regulation it will be challenged and unanimously voted down as unconstitutional.

(Reporting by Diego Ore; Writing by Kylie Madry; Modifying by David Alire Garcia and Diane Craft)