The Mexican Senate has just approved the elimination of the country’s Presidential Guard (Estado Mayor Presidencial), an elite corps that had provided protection for Mexican presidents and dignitaries for the past 70 years, according to a press release.
The senate approved the elimination of the Presidential Guard by modifying the Organization Act on the Mexican Army and Air Force with 108 votes in favor, none against, and 12 abstentions. This modification had been requested by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador .
Though in support of the legal measure, the Mexican opposition asked the Ministry of Public Security to form a security corps that specializes in the protection of the president.
They insisted that Mexico’s Armed Forces should provide security for López Obrador and future presidents in face of an increase in violence in the country.
The Presidential Guard stopped operating when López Obrador took office as president on December 1, 2018 , though Mexican legislation had not yet been modified to dismantle the government body.
After winning the 2018 election, López Obrador preferred to hire 20 people not in uniform as bodyguards; 10 women and 10 men with university degrees.
His security team was similar to the team of armed escorts he used as governor of Mexico City between 2000 and 2005.
Following his electoral triumph last year, López Obrador was often seen driving in his own car in Mexico City , followed by a cohort of citizens asking for autographs.
The members of the Presidential Guard will be reinstated to their units in the Armed Forces while maintaining their seniority, rank, and benefits.
The judgment approved by the Senate provides a time limit of 90 working days so that the elimination of the Presidential Guard becomes effective.
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