Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has criticized the ongoing war on drugs, stating that the government will not pursue that approach any longer. She described the killing of drug traffickers as a fascist tactic that infringes on their rights. Her remarks come amid global scrutiny of the Mexican government’s handling of rising cartel violence and the corruption that has facilitated it.
During a press conference this week, Sheinbaum emphasized that reverting to a war against drug cartels, as previous administrations have attempted, is not a viable solution.
“That’s not an option,” she remarked. “First, because it lies outside the legal framework. Those who advocate for the war on narcos often tout the ‘rule of law,’ yet they ignore that this approach legalizes murder without trial. That’s why it lacks support in Mexico. Secondly, it has been ineffective historically, only leading to a rise in the number and severity of murders in the country.” She described the calls for a return to authoritarian methods as reminiscent of fascism.
These comments follow the Sheinbaum administration facing backlash after the assassination of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, known for his tough stance against drug cartels. Manzo was shot by a cartel-affiliated gunman during a Day of the Dead celebration on November 1, an event that incited protests and riots, including the torching of City Hall and the Michoacán governor’s palace.
Recently, Peruvian politicians labeled Mexico a narco-state, announcing the termination of diplomatic relations and declaring Sheinbaum persona non grata in Peru due to the decision to grant asylum to a former politician facing corruption charges in that country.
