Politicised police protests to hinder Mexican security

Subject

Police protests.

Significance

Federal Police (PF) officers on July 3 launched protests against President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO)’s plans to integrate its members into the new National Guard and other policing roles. Hundreds of officers broke into the PF headquarters in Mexico City and blocked major roads around the capital in demonstrations that continued until July 9. AMLO and Security Minister Alfonso Durazo accused the protesters of trying to destabilise the country, suggesting corrupt individuals with vested interests might be behind the action. The government plans fully to dismantle the PF within 18 months.

Impacts

• Discontent among public servants affected by the government’s administrative changes and austerity measures will fuel polarisation.
• PF abolition would confirm the AMLO administration’s commitment to continuing old militarised security strategies.
• Claims of FP corruption will compound public mistrust in security bodies, including the National Guard, which will absorb many FP officers.