Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) - “Today marks one week since Congressional sessions were interrupted by a group of legislators who have resorted to making external pressure, and thus, have upset the path of stable and habitual dialogue of the House of Representatives and Senate. We do not wish to disapprove of the intentions of those who have favored this strategy, however we do wish to point out that it does not seem to be the proper means of action.” These were the opening words of Bishop Jose Leopoldo Gonzalez, Auxiliary Bishop of Guadalajara and Secretary General of the Bishops’ Conference of Mexico, in his statement calling for a return to sanity in facing the country’s situation.
It has been a week since the “Frente Amplio Progresista” (FAP), an association of left-wing Mexican parties, refused to accept a proposal made by other parties to spend 50 consecutive days debating the energy reform proposal of Felipe Calderon, claiming that it is an intent to privatize fuel resources. The members of Congress in FAP took control of the courts last Thursday, in protest of this proposal that has increased tension among the political powers. And thus, all legislative activity has been suspended since last Thursday.
According to the statement from the Bishops’ Secretary, Mexicans trust in the legitimately formed institutions, as “they are the guarantee for dialogue among the various ideologies, set the guidelines for agreements, and lead the country to the legislation that every authority in order to be democratic and not authoritarian.” However, this path is endangered “when the Supreme Court of the nation is blocked and the expression of various different points of view and the possibility of arriving at an agreement is obstructed” and “conditions of social pressure are implemented instead of institutional democratic dialogue.” Thus, Bishop Jose Leopoldo makes a call for dialogue, compromise, and respect for others’ rights as the only path for “building a culture and democratic institutions that recognize the human rights and cultural values of the people.”
The statement concludes: “The Mexican Bishops’ Conference is concerned for the legislative stalemate, as it affects the democratic life of the nation. Thus, we are making a call for sanity and harmony, in order to return to an institutional order.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 18/4/2008; righe 30, parole 372)
