An Opposition with Purpose

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By: Alan Sahir Márquez Becerra, Federal Deputy****

In September 2024, I assumed one of the most important personal and professional responsibilities of my career: I became one of the 500 voices that occupy a seat in the Chamber of Deputies or, as some prefer to call it, San Lázaro, a place that, by the way, has nothing saintly about it.

I am Alan Sahir Márquez Becerra, a Guanajuato native committed to just causes, who was given the opportunity to serve from the lower house of the Legislative Power of our country. I currently serve as secretary of the Board of Directors of the Parliamentary Group of the National Action Party. I invite you to join me in this column to learn firsthand about the journey of a federal deputy from the opposition, in times of the “second stage of the Fourth Transformation.”

The Beginning of the Legislature as Seen from the Opposition

I want to begin this series of columns by recalling the hectic start we had in this legislature, which, by the way, was not easy. With a last-minute change of venue, we inaugurated the legislative debate on a sports field in Magdalena Mixhuca in Mexico City.

It was a historic session in which Morena and its allies made clear the recipe with which they intend to transform Mexico. Its ingredients are: intolerance, disorder, and improvisation, which have gradually become the legislative hallmark of Morena’s house.

That session was a clear example of divisionist ideology. On one hand, there was a heated debate on the initiative to reform the Judiciary of the Federation, but, on the other hand, out of reach of the cameras, a party had been organized.

At dozens of tables with maroon tablecloths and floral centerpieces (of course, the jokers did not fail to say that they had already reserved them), the deputies of Morena, PT, and the Green Party could rest and consume food. This, while their advisors slept in the stands and young protesters surrounded the enclosure demanding access to a public act.

This is how the reform to the Judiciary of the Federation was approved, what a welcome.

Importance of Initiatives from the Opposition

Months have passed and the mechanics are the same, to address in an improvised manner—and with errors—, an agenda inherited and tailored, of course not to the people, but to the party in power. This situation forces us to transform ourselves into a professional, coherent, and responsible opposition, which asserts the resistance of those who decided that we should be the second political force in Mexico.

As a deputy, one of the biggest challenges is to make people really aware of what is happening in the Chamber of Deputies. We work in an environment where differences and privileges multiply every day for a few.

It is ironic that the party that has had the most representation in recent years is the same one that promotes the decline of democracy and the dismantling of institutions.

We must be careful with each initiative proposed by the group in power. Each project seems like a double entendre, as it has a double meaning, a trap, an interpretation to suit. They are legitimizing abuses of authority under the protection of their majority. But if we are going to interpret, let us remember that not everything legal is fair and not everything fair is legal, a situation that obviously does not matter to them.

## **And in Guanajuato?**

Meanwhile, in Guanajuato, they are leaving the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property without an office. Are we facing a possible dismantling of federal agencies in the state? Let’s hope not. And if so, we will raise our voices as I do with this issue, where, through a point of agreement, we urge the authorities to generate dialogues and propose solutions in a government of impositions.

Pan’s Agenda as an Opposition

In Acción Nacional we are not against everything as Morena says. It is enough to do a simple search on the internet to know the meaning of the votes and deny those who claim otherwise.

The thing is that our agenda is not based on clientelistic policies, and yes, of course we are in favor of social support, but distributed with transparency and clear processes. We want social development, quality medical care, medicines, security. That is the agenda that occupies the political opposition today.

Legislative work may seem simple, but it is not. And even less for an opposition deputy who navigates against the overwhelming wave of the majority. It is discouraging to see how very valuable proposals pass without pain or glory before an absent and indifferent plenary to everything that does not come from the National Palace or the general headquarters of Morena. It is thanks to the most experienced fellow legislators that the spirit remains afloat. Therefore, the great teamwork behind each session and each proposal is noteworthy.

The invitation to join this team is open. Demanding a transparent government more than a challenge should be an obligation. We want clear accounts and sustainable policies, that the use of public resources is destined to the causes that do deserve it and not to whims that only generate more and more corruption.

Fight against Corruption

And speaking of corruption, we are about to witness another improvised experiment by the federal government. It is Infonavit’s turn, which with the reform becomes a builder of social and rental housing, centralizing 2.4 trillion pesos of accumulated savings of Mexican workers, which, of course, will be administered by the federal government.

The above, taking advantage of the casual elimination of transparency and accountability institutions and resources. The master plan continues its course, but how long will the fragile union between the members of Morena last?

It is a crucial moment, even in the international arena, to act responsibly, listening to citizens and working tirelessly with all political and social actors to strengthen our sovereignty, security, and the well-being of the nation.

There are many stories to tell and initiatives to analyze. I appreciate the time invested in this reading and reiterate my commitment to the truth to continue working with gratitude and commitment. I will be attentive to the concerns that arise, always with the firm conviction that only through unity can we achieve the changes that Mexico needs.

## **And in Guanajuato?**

Meanwhile, in Guanajuato, they are leaving the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property without an office. Are we facing a possible dismantling of federal agencies in the state? Let’s hope not. And if so, we will raise our voices as I do with this issue, where, through a point of agreement, we urge the authorities to generate dialogues and propose solutions in a government of impositions.

Pan’s Agenda as an Opposition

In Acción Nacional we are not against everything as Morena says. It is enough to do a simple search on the internet to know the meaning of the votes and deny those who claim otherwise.

The thing is that our agenda is not based on clientelistic policies, and yes, of course we are in favor of social support, but distributed with transparency and clear processes. We want social development, quality medical care, medicines, security. That is the agenda that occupies the political opposition today.

Legislative work may seem simple, but it is not. And even less for an opposition deputy who navigates against the overwhelming wave of the majority. It is discouraging to see how very valuable proposals pass without pain or glory before an absent and indifferent plenary to everything that does not come from the National Palace or the general headquarters of Morena. It is thanks to the most experienced fellow legislators that the spirit remains afloat. Therefore, the great teamwork behind each session and each proposal is noteworthy.

The invitation to join this team is open. Demanding a transparent government more than a challenge should be an obligation. We want clear accounts and sustainable policies, that the use of public resources is destined to the causes that do deserve it and not to whims that only generate more and more corruption.

Fight against Corruption

And speaking of corruption, we are about to witness another improvised experiment by the federal government. It is Infonavit’s turn, which with the reform becomes a builder of social and rental housing, centralizing 2.4 trillion pesos of accumulated savings of Mexican workers, which, of course, will be administered by the federal government.

The above, taking advantage of the casual elimination of transparency and accountability institutions and resources. The master plan continues its course, but how long will the fragile union between the members of Morena last?

It is a crucial moment, even in the international arena, to act responsibly, listening to citizens and working tirelessly with all political and social actors to strengthen our sovereignty, security, and the well-being of the nation.

There are many stories to tell and initiatives to analyze. I appreciate the time invested in this reading and reiterate my commitment to the truth to continue working with gratitude and commitment. I will be attentive to the concerns that arise, always with the firm conviction that only through unity can we achieve the changes that Mexico needs.