INFONAVIT Reform Moves Ahead

The Senate’s Urban Reorganization and Housing Commission has approved a legislative initiative aimed at strengthening INFONAVIT’s ability to support the government's goal of constructing 1 million homes and providing leasing options for workers. However, the proposal's removal of sectoral boards representing the labor and business sectors, which centralizes decision-making authority within the federal government, has raised concerns. The bill is now scheduled to proceed to the Senate plenary for further legislative review and approval.

The proposed reforms introduce key changes to INFONAVIT’s governance structure. Both the Audit Committee and the Transparency Committee, currently composed of three members—one each from the federal government, the labor sector, and the business sector—would be expanded to five members. Under the revised structure, three seats would be allocated to federal government representatives, with the labor and business sectors each retaining one representative. Similarly, the Oversight Commission, which currently consists of nine members with equal representation from the three sectors, would be restructured to allocate five seats to the federal government and two seats each to the labor and business sectors.

Opposition members have expressed concerns over the centralization of authority and the potential risks to worker contributions. "This reform grants INFONAVIT discretionary authority over resources it merely administers. These funds, amounting to MX$2 trillion as of Sept. 30, belong to workers' housing subaccounts, not the institute. Any mismanagement could jeopardize workers' savings," warned Ricardo Anaya, Senator, PAN.

In contrast, MORENA senators defended the proposal, arguing that it would enhance oversight, accountability, and reduce corruption. "INFONAVIT has long been exploited as a funding source for personal and political agendas. This reform ensures responsible management of workers' resources," asserted Blanca Díaz, Senator, MORENA.