The Relevance of Mexico’s Fourth Transformation

ByMexico Solidarity

This editorial by Jaime Ornelas Delgado originally appeared in the October 29, 2025 edition of La Jornada de Oriente, the Puebla edition of Mexico’s premier left wing daily newspaper. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of Mexico Solidarity Media, or the Mexico Solidarity Project.

The Fourth Transformation of the country, driven by millions of Mexicans, has also been a central theme in Mexican politics in recent years. This political movement seeks to establish profound changes in Mexico’s economic, social, and political structure. Since coming to power in 2018, Andrés Manuel López Obrador and later, Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum, have promoted a series of reforms and programs aimed at reducing the social gap between social classes, combating corruption, and establishing a democratic government by reforming the judiciary, guided by the principle that “for the good of all, the poor come first.”

In this context, the separation of political and economic power is a fundamental principle in any robust democracy. It implies ensuring that the interests of capital do not influence political decisions; however, in Mexico and many parts of the world, this separation is often compromised by the influence of large corporations and special interest groups— the oligarchy —in decision-making processes that should be the sole purview of government bodies.

In Mexico, the separation of political and economic power is particularly relevant amidst the fight against corruption and the pursuit of a more transparent and just government. The concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few economic actors has led to an unequal distribution of resources and opportunities in the country.

The separation of economic and political power is crucial to preventing conflicts of interest, corruption, and abuses of power. It ensures that government decisions are made for the benefit of all society and not to satisfy the particular interests of the financial oligarchy. Furthermore, it strengthens citizens’ trust in government institutions and promotes fair competition in the economic sphere.

In other countries, the successful separation of economic and political power has contributed to sustainable economic development, the reduction of inequality, and the promotion of an environment conducive to investment and entrepreneurship.

Several countries have made significant progress in separating economic and political power. Countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Norway have implemented policies that reduce the influence of corporate interests on government decision-making. This has led to a more equitable distribution of wealth and greater trust in democratic institutions.

In the Mexican context, the Fourth Transformation has attempted to address the concentration of economic and political power through measures such as eliminating tax breaks and combating corruption, as well as eliminating privileges. These measures have generated legitimate resources to fund social welfare programs, which have lifted more than 13 million Mexicans out of poverty. However, considerable challenges remain in achieving an effective separation of powers.

Although efforts have been made to combat corruption and increase transparency in decision-making, obstacles remain in ensuring that economic interests do not unduly influence policy. Oversight and active citizen participation are essential to ensuring that progress in this area is sustainable and effective.

Claudia Sheinbaum ‘s government faces significant challenges. Reducing violence and ensuring public safety are priorities, as is continuing to decrease poverty and social inequality by strengthening social welfare policies, particularly in health and education. The obstacles are numerous, including the aggressive rhetoric of Donald Trump, which threatens the external sector, and the resistance of a right wing that rejects everything and eagerly reads the newspapers each morning, hoping for Mexico’s downfall to discredit Claudia Sheinbaum’s government.

But no, our country has not fared badly and will do even better with the firmness, ” cool head ” and talent with which the President faces the obstacles.

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