New Legislature 66: Controversy and Challenges in the Congress of the Union

Yesterday, the Congress of the Union experienced a crucial moment with the swearing-in of 500 new deputies and 128 senators who will make up the 66th Legislature, a phase that is expected to be filled with challenges and controversies. This session inaugurated a new legislative cycle that, while beginning with the typical optimism of any new start, is already marked by controversy surrounding several of its new members, some of whom will benefit from immunity, a figure that has drawn criticism for its abusive use to evade justice. Among the newly elected legislators, the figure of Javier Corral stands out, who, despite being the subject of a new arrest warrant issued by the Attorney General's Office of Chihuahua for the alleged diversion of 98 million pesos, managed to take office as a senator for Morena. The protection offered by immunity means that, at least for now, Corral will be able to avoid facing the accusations against him, which has generated deep discontent among segments of the population demanding accountability. On the other hand, former national leader of the PAN, Ricardo Anaya, has also returned to the political scene as a plurinominal senator, despite being under investigation for allegedly having received a bribe from Odebrecht. The accusation, made by Emilio Lozoya, former director of Pemex, has been described by Anaya as an act of political persecution, adding a layer of complexity to his new role. Anaya's presence in the Senate symbolizes not only the return of a controversial politician but also the persistent shadow of corruption in Mexican politics. Similarly, Miguel Ángel Yunes Márquez, who faces an arrest warrant for document forgery, also joins the list of legislators embroiled in serious accusations. His arrival in the Senate raises questions about the ethics and integrity of those holding high office in the government. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle between the exercise of power and justice, a dilemma that has shifted from being a theoretical concern to a palpable reality. Anuar García, president of the SOS Group Chapter Jalisco, has expressed his discontent, pointing out that the use of constitutional immunity to avoid investigations is "regrettable for the country and legal certainty." This perception of impunity is at the center of the political debate, as many citizens feel that legislators are above the law, which erodes trust in institutions. For his part, Jesús Ibarra, a professor at ITESO, has indicated that while in some cases the accusations may stem from political vendettas, there are also legislators who clearly use immunity to protect themselves from legitimate investigations. This duality complicates the landscape further and suggests the need for a broader debate on the reform of immunity and its implications. Additionally, the election of Gerardo Fernández Noroña as president of the Senate has added a new layer of controversy. Considered by many as an "unpresentable" figure due to his provocative style and incendiary statements, his leadership in the Upper House has raised doubts about his ability to effectively manage the legislative agenda. Despite this, Noroña has sent a message of popular empowerment, promising that "the common people have decided to take the destiny of the homeland into their own hands." The legislative landscape that is shaping up reflects not only the diversity of political stances in the country but also the tensions arising from the quest for power and justice. As the new legislature progresses, it will be crucial to observe how these legislators confront the accusations against them and whether immunity will become a shield or an obstacle to accountability. Civil society remains attentive to these developments, hoping that the new representatives not only fulfill their duty to legislate but do so with a sense of responsibility towards the citizenry, which demands integrity and transparency in the exercise of power. The pressure on Congress will be inevitable, and the ability of its members to respond to the expectations of the citizenry will be decisive in the direction that politics in Mexico takes in the coming years. With the start of this new legislature, citizens will be closely watching how political dynamics unfold and how legislators address the challenges they face, not only in terms of public policy but also in the realm of justice and ethics. The answers to these questions will largely define the legacy of the 66th Legislature.