Mexico reshuffle aims to facilitate agenda approval

Significance

The change preceded the start of the first legislative period of the newly elected Chamber of Deputies on September 1, in which AMLO’s ruling National Regeneration Movement (Morena) and its allies no longer hold a two-thirds majority.

Impacts

• AMLO’s popular approval ratings suggest he will remain in office beyond March’s recall referendum.
• Despite requiring support from at least some of the opposition to pass key bills, AMLO will not abandon his polarising rhetoric.
• Co-opting opposition figures may become easier towards the end of the current legislature as internal competition for nominations grows.