A minister breathes life into #NoMoneyWithoutVotes

A minister breathes life into #NoMoneyWithoutVotes

For many, the news went unnoticed, but yesterday, Minister Alberto Pérez Dayán did something few times is seen in Mexico's Supreme Court of Justice . We're told Mr. Alberto convinced some of his fellow ministers to change their mind, which was key in the ratification of the “Kumamoto Law”, also known as the “ No-Money-without-Votes ” reform. The arguments put forward by Pérez Dayán – we're told – made it possible for the Court to declare a majority, with seven in favor and four against a law that established the states of Mexico have the freedom to determine and regulate, within their jurisdiction, the public funds given to registered political parties when no elections are being held in the state. The project of Minister Jorge Mario Pardo Rebolledo stated the opposite; that is, to declare the law unconstitutional.

The CROC with AMLO?

Without a doubt, this is one of the unions with more affinity towards the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and comes from the so-called worker sector. Yes, we're talking about the one and only Revolutionary Confederation of Workers and Farmers ( CROC ), led by Senator Isaías González Cuevas . Except now it seems the CROC will give its back to the PRI and start cheering for the far- left National Regeneration Party ( MORENA ), led by Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) . Yet why the doubt among PRI leaders? We're told the leader of the Salt Trade Union of Guerrero Negro, Luis Martín Pérez went to welcome Mr. Andrés Manuel with his retinue during Mr. Manuel's visit to Mulegé, in Baja California Sur. Now, many have wondered if this gesture of Mr. Luis Pérez, who belongs to the union, approved by Mr. Isaías. The conservative National Action Party (PAN) already considers this an act of treason, seeing that Mr. Martín Pérez is currently a federal deputy member of the party. The PRI seems to think the CROC is pitching for the wrong team. So, care to explain what the deal is, Mr. Isaías?

Table talks with Peña Nieto

Dinner took close to four hours and ended with a photo at the stairs of the Miguel Alemán residency, in Los Pinos. Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto met with the senators of the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and Green Party (PVEM) before the Congress ordinary meetings begin. Our sources fed us the menu: fish, squash blossom crêpes, and white wine. The meeting was seen by some legislators as the last of the Executive Branch. We're told three presidential candidate nominees were also present at the meeting and the talks turned to a recount of achievements, an analysis of structural reforms and even anecdotes of the presidential campaign of 2012.

INE and the Catholic hierarchy

In case there weren't enough people criticizing the National Electoral Institute of Mexico ( INE ), now the Catholic hierarchy has decided to join the chorus of voices discrediting the work of the councilors. In addition to the 344 appeals against the INE guidelines, known as the “even ground” rules – which pretend to balance electoral campaigns – the Principal Archdiocese of Mexico has decided to make its position on the matter known through their weekly publication Desde la Fe. The critic has caused annoyance, but above all, concern, and some members of the INE considered that, given the proximity of the General Elections, they should send a clear message: religious officials shouldn't intervene in politics. Even if the matter is dividing opinions at the INE – because some claim everyone is entitled to their freedom of speech – there are some who claim priests have jeopardized State elections and even caused the annulment of elections at a local level. Thus, it will be analyzed if the Secretary of the Interior is to be notified or if an investigation should be launched.

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