In Mexico, the Presidential “Dedazo” Is Weaker Than It Seems
President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum is AMLO’s preferred successor. But history shows the “dedazo” doesn’t always translate to power behind the scenes.
MEXICO CITY — Mexico does not do presidential reelection. Even the most paranoid opponents of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador never seriously believed he would seek to stay in the top job, as other Latin American leaders have. Instead, in October, he will be succeeded by Claudia Sheinbaum, who, he made clear, was his preferred choice to carry the mantle of his political movement. But what explains Mexico’s reelection phobia—and how much power will López Obrador be able to exert behind the scenes once he leaves office A look back at Mexico’s political history provides...
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