November 28, 2024
On November 28, 2024, a decree introducing reforms, additions, and repeals to the Federal Public Administration Organic Law was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation. This marks a significant transformation in the structure and functioning of the Mexican federal government. This analysis highlights the key aspects of these changes and their potential implications.
1. Creation of New Ministries.
Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Ministry: This new body takes over responsibilities related to oversight, internal control, and promoting transparency, consolidating competencies that were previously managed by autonomous or decentralized agencies.
Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation Ministry: Aims to foster scientific research, technological development, and innovation in strategic sectors, reflecting a prioritized focus on modernization and social welfare.
2. Redistribution of Responsibilities.
The functions of various secretariats were redefined or expanded, including:
The Ministry of Finance and Public Credit assumes a more central role in appointing and regulating Administrative and Financial Units across the federal government.
The Ministry of the Interior takes on new responsibilities for coordinating policies aimed at peace and national security.
3. Significant Additions.
Digital Systems: The introduction of platforms such as electronic business files (Art. 34, Section XXIV Bis) and technological tools in education and environmental management.
Strengthening Human Rights and Environmental Protection: New sections in Article 32 Bis assign the Secretariat of the Environment powers to preserve natural resources and combat climate change.
4. Notable Repeals.
Key sections in various articles were removed, transferring their functions to new ministries or redistributing them among existing ones.
Specific functions in agricultural regulation, transportation, and health previously managed by other entities were repealed or modified.
5. Centralization and Its Impact on Autonomous Agencies.
While the decree does not explicitly mention the elimination of autonomous agencies, the transfer of competencies to the Federal Executive could mean:
Increased Political Control: Consolidation under the Executive strengthens coordination but raises concerns about institutional checks and balances.
Conclusion
These reforms represent a strategic shift towards administrative centralization, aiming for greater efficiency and technological modernization. However, the potential weakening of autonomous agencies raises questions about maintaining the balance of power in Mexico’s political system.
The implementation and outcomes of these reforms will be key to determining whether this new model strengthens governance or undermines the principles of autonomy and decentralization that have characterized the Mexican State in recent decades.
This reform has resulted in the restructuring of institutional autonomy in Mexico.
Contact Information:
For further guidance, reach out to:
Jair Bravo Gutiérrez
Managing Partner
jbravo@j-bravo.com
52-81-24748538
www.j-bravo.com
Blvd. Antonio L. Rodríguez 3000, Colonia Santa María, 5to piso, Interior 501 Torre Albia, C.P. 64650 Mty, N.L., México T.
