Plan C Discussions: Debate Scheduled for Aug. 1-23

The Board of the Constitutional Points Commission in the Chamber of Deputies has set the schedule for discussing the 18 constitutional reforms proposed in President López Obrador’s Plan C, from Aug. 1 to Aug. 23. Opposition parties have criticized the schedule, claiming it lacks transparency. However, MORENA and its allies have emphasized that the debate will be conducted transparently.

Discussions will commence on Aug. 1, focusing on nine draft bills addressing youth support, retirement pensions, workers' wages and housing, as well as issues related to water, food, environmental protection, medical care, well-being, health protection, and animal welfare.

On Aug. 2, the agenda will cover reforms related to railway transport, austerity, and public officials' compensation. The reform concerning indigenous peoples and Afro-Mexicans is slated for Aug. 9. Discussions on preventive detention will take place on Aug. 13, and on Aug. 14, the focus will shift to strategic areas and enterprises. On Aug. 15, the committee will review the draft bill amending various constitutional articles related to justice and will schedule discussions on proposals regarding the elimination of autonomous bodies, electoral reform, and the National Guard. A draft bill on judicial reform, based on the National Dialogues, is expected to be presented on Aug. 15, with discussions planned for Aug. 22 or 23.

The agreement specifies that while committee members can propose amendments to the draft bills, these amendments will not be voted on within the committee. Instead, they will be forwarded directly to the Chamber’s Board for further processing and, if necessary, discussion by the full Chamber of Deputies.

Paulina Rubio, Deputy, PAN, criticized the unclear scheduling of discussions, arguing that the lack of transparency might be an attempt to expedite the process unfairly. In response, Gerardo Fernández, Deputy, PT, defended the process, asserting that the reforms have been under discussion since February and have been thoroughly reviewed. “We are not afraid of debate or discussion. The Judiciary will be elected through the universal, secret, and direct vote of the people.”

Previously, López Obrador and Claudia Sheinbaum reached an agreement to initiate Plan C in September, coinciding with the change of deputies and senators in Congress. It is anticipated that MORENA and its allies will collectively hold between 346 and 380 of the 500 seats in the Chamber of Deputies, which would give them a qualified majority to easily pass reforms. In the Senate, MORENA and its allies are anticipated to secure between 76 and 88 of the 128 seats, leaving uncertainty regarding whether they will reach a qualified majority. Nonetheless, experts emphasize that even if they fall short, they will likely seek alliances with the opposition to advance their agenda.