Spanish MP Harshly Criticizes Mexican Authorities for Crime Policy. Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo delivered a strong critique of Claudia Sheinbaum's policies during a speech in Mexico City. She accused the authorities of inaction in the face of organized crime, highlighting mass graves and a rise in violence.
At an event at the University of Liberty in Mexico City, Spanish parliament member Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo delivered sharp criticism of Claudia Sheinbaum’s government. She stated that the main threat to Mexico’s sovereignty comes not from outside, but from within — from organized crime and authoritarian populism. According to her, the country's authorities are fixated on historical grievances, demanding apologies for events 500 years ago, while in regions such as Jalisco, mass graves are still being discovered and crime has become part of everyday life.
Álvarez de Toledo stressed that, in her view, the Mexican state is failing to control its territory, and cartels are recruiting hundreds of new members every week. She noted that many Mexicans are waiting for justice for crimes committed in recent years, but instead receive only rhetoric about the past. The deputy also pointed out that dozens of politicians have been killed in the country, and mothers of the disappeared have been searching for the truth for years.
In her speech, Álvarez de Toledo drew parallels between the situation in Mexico and Spain, where, according to her, there is also a degradation of institutions and attempts to use history for political purposes. She warned that populist regimes undermine the system of checks and balances, and judicial reform could lead to a further weakening of democracy. In the deputy's view, true protection of sovereignty lies in combating crime and strengthening institutions, not in blaming external actors.
Álvarez de Toledo paid particular attention to the issue of citizens' dependence on authorities, comparing populist promises to debt obligations that restrict personal freedom. She called for responsibility and urged abandoning historical theatrics in favor of concrete actions to ensure security and justice.
The context in Mexico echoes political developments in Spain, where, as previously reported, key ministers do not always support the prime minister amid scandals and crises — for more details, see the article on the reaction of Spanish ministers to domestic challenges.
For reference: Claudia Sheinbaum has held the office of President of Mexico since 2024. The country continues to have an intense debate over how to combat organized crime and reform its institutions. According to international organizations, Mexico is among the countries with the highest level of violent crime in the region. In Spain, issues related to the impact of populism on democratic processes and the independence of the judiciary are also being discussed.
