A Political Shift: The Anti-Nepotism Reform and Its Impact
Gerardo Fernández Noroña, President of the Senate, confirmed that Félix Salgado Macedonio and Saúl Monreal will be ineligible to run for governor in Guerrero and Zacatecas in 2027 due to an anti-nepotism reform championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Under this proposal, relatives of elected officials would be barred from immediately succeeding them in office, requiring a six-year waiting period. This means:
- Salgado Macedonio, father of Guerrero’s governor Evelyn Salgado, cannot run until 2033.
- Saúl Monreal, brother of Zacatecas’ governor David Monreal, must also wait six years.
This reform is part of Sheinbaum’s broader plan to strengthen democracy and eliminate political dynasties.
Understanding the Anti-Nepotism Reform
Announced on February 5, 2025, the proposal seeks to amend Articles 55, 82, 115, 116, and 122 of the Mexican Constitution.
Key Provisions:
- No immediate succession for officials’ close relatives, including spouses, siblings, and children.
- Applies to all elected positions at federal, state, and municipal levels.
- Takes effect in 2027, impacting upcoming gubernatorial elections.
By blocking political family successions, the reform aims to prevent power concentration and align with Mexico’s historic principle: “Effective suffrage, no reelection.”
Why This Reform Matters for 2027 Elections
With 16 governorships up for election in 2027, this reform reshapes political competition.
Who Is Directly Affected?
- Félix Salgado Macedonio (Guerrero) – His daughter, Evelyn Salgado, took office in 2021. The reform prevents him from running next term.
- Saúl Monreal (Zacatecas) – His brother, David Monreal, became governor in 2021. Saúl must postpone his ambitions.
Morena’s Internal Shift
The ruling party now must select new candidates for key states, ensuring that political influence does not pass through family ties.
Political Reactions: Salgado Macedonio and Monreal Respond
Félix Salgado Macedonio: A Defiant Stance
The senator has expressed both support and defiance toward the reform.
- Declared he is not in a rush to run and supports the law.
- Insisted that if he were to run, «the people would decide.»
- Dismissed concerns, saying he is «young enough to wait until 2033.»
His response suggests that his political ambitions remain alive, even if postponed.
The Monreal Family’s Silence
Unlike Salgado Macedonio, Saúl Monreal and Ricardo Monreal have been less vocal.
- Saúl has not formally declared his candidacy.
- Ricardo Monreal, a key figure in Morena, has avoided confrontation, aligning with Sheinbaum’s administration.
Their strategy appears to be waiting to see how Morena adapts to the reform before making political moves.
The Reform’s Legal and Legislative Path
Since it amends the Constitution, the reform requires:
- Approval by two-thirds of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
- Ratification by a majority of state legislatures.
With Morena and allies holding a strong majority, the reform is expected to pass before April 2025.
Once enacted:
- Nepotism rules apply in 2027 elections.
- Reelection restrictions take effect in 2030, preventing immediate re-election of legislators and local officials.
While legal challenges are unlikely, adjustments will be needed in state and federal electoral laws to enforce these new restrictions.
A Broader Political Strategy: Morena’s Anti-Corruption Stance
This reform aligns with Morena’s anti-corruption and transparency agenda.
- Prevents dynastic politics within the party.
- Strengthens Morena’s image as a movement against power concentration.
- Forces internal renewal, opening the field for new political figures.
Opposition Response
While opposition parties generally support anti-nepotism measures, they:
- Criticize Morena for allowing family successions in past elections, including Evelyn Salgado’s governorship.
- Question the simultaneous ban on immediate reelection, arguing it could weaken legislative experience.
Despite these critiques, the opposition is unlikely to block the reform, as rejecting anti-nepotism laws would be politically unpopular.
A New Political Landscape for 2027
The anti-nepotism reform represents a significant shift in Mexican politics, setting new rules for the 2027 elections and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
- Political family successions will be banned starting in 2027.
- Salgado Macedonio and Saúl Monreal must delay their gubernatorial ambitions.
- Morena will have to find new candidates for key governorships.
- The reform reinforces Sheinbaum’s anti-corruption narrative.
As Mexico moves toward its next election cycle, this law will shape how power is distributed, ensuring that political influence is not passed down as inheritance.The 2027 races will now be defined by new faces, new strategies, and a political landscape without immediate family successions.
TE PODRÍA INTERESAR