Military influence on Mexican civilian life may grow

Significance

The Mexico State facility is one of several that will be run by a new military-owned company, ‘Olmeca Maya Mexica’. Aside from airports (AIFA, Tulum, Chetumal and Palenque), the company will also manage the Maya Train project. The arrangement, confirmed by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) on February 10, has reignited concerns over creeping militarisation.

Impacts

• The ‘hugs, not bullets’ approach to security will be ineffective, even if military deployments grow.
• Congress will hinder integration of the GN into SEDENA, leaving it as a civilian entity, run in practice by military elements.
• Failure to develop effective civilian police forces will see future governments remain reliant on the military to address crime.