A senior official from Mexico’s ruling Morena party in Yucatán has publicly declared President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) to be “the worst president Mexico has ever had,” marking one of the most explicit internal criticisms of the administration since his 2018 election. The remarks—made during a local party gathering—have reignited debates over AMLO’s leadership, party unity, and the future of Mexico’s political landscape ahead of the 2024 elections.
The statement, attributed to Yucatán state deputy José Luis Pech, comes as Morena faces growing internal tensions over AMLO’s policies, including economic challenges, security concerns, and recent controversies over corruption allegations targeting his allies. While Morena maintains a dominant majority in Congress, dissenting voices within the party have increasingly challenged the president’s approach, raising questions about the party’s cohesion ahead of next year’s midterm elections.
This development follows a year of mounting criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and even some Morena-affiliated legislators. In June 2023, for example, the Mexican Congress approved a constitutional reform proposed by AMLO’s government, but the process was marred by allegations of rushed procedures and limited debate. Meanwhile, independent polls have shown AMLO’s approval ratings hovering around 40–45%, down from peaks above 60% early in his presidency. The latest remarks from Pech underscore a broader trend: even within AMLO’s own party, support is fracturing.
Who Is José Luis Pech, and Why His Criticism Matters
José Luis Pech, a 48-year-old lawyer and longtime Morena activist, was elected to the Yucatán state legislature in 2021 as part of AMLO’s broader push to consolidate power in southern Mexico. According to Proceso, Pech has been a vocal advocate for AMLO’s social programs, including the Pensión para el Bienestar pension initiative and rural infrastructure projects. However, his recent comments—delivered during a local party event in Mérida—marked a sharp departure from his previous public stance.
The criticism comes at a delicate moment for Morena. With the 2024 elections approaching, the party is preparing to defend its majority in Congress and key state governorships, including Yucatán, where Morena currently holds power. Pech’s remarks, if widely adopted, could embolden other dissidents within the party to speak out, potentially weakening Morena’s electoral machine. “This is not just about one person’s opinion,” said political analyst Eduardo Bohórquez of the Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas (CIDE). “It signals a broader discontent within the party that could have real consequences in the coming months.”
Key Takeaway: Pech’s statement is the most high-profile internal critique of AMLO’s presidency to date, coming from a sitting Morena legislator in a state where the party is seeking re-election. His remarks could either galvanize opposition within Morena or be dismissed as an isolated incident—depending on whether other party members follow suit.
What AMLO’s Approval Ratings Say About the Crisis
AMLO’s presidency has been marked by dramatic shifts in public opinion. At the start of his term in 2018, he enjoyed unprecedented approval ratings, with over 60% of Mexicans supporting his policies, according to Parametría. However, by 2023, those numbers had fallen to around 42%, with discontent centered on economic stagnation, rising crime, and perceived authoritarian tendencies.
A recent survey by Reforma found that 58% of respondents believe Mexico is on the “wrong track,” while only 31% approve of AMLO’s handling of the economy. The criticism extends beyond Morena’s base: even some of AMLO’s traditional allies, such as labor unions and indigenous groups, have expressed frustration over broken promises, including stalled infrastructure projects and unfulfilled social welfare commitments.
Pech’s remarks align with broader trends. In a June 2023 BBC Mundo analysis, experts noted that AMLO’s “moralizing” leadership style—framing himself as an outsider fighting corruption—had worn thin as his government faced scandals, including the 2023 corruption probe into his cabinet. “The president’s narrative of being a clean, honest leader is increasingly hard to sustain,” said Financial Times correspondent Jefferson Benítez.
How Morena Responded—and What Comes Next
Morena’s national leadership has not yet publicly addressed Pech’s comments, but party officials in Yucatán have moved to contain the fallout. According to Proceso, local party sources described Pech’s remarks as “unfortunate” and attributed them to “local tensions” rather than a broader ideological split. However, the damage may already be done: Pech’s statement has been widely circulated on social media, and opposition parties are seizing on it to undermine Morena’s unity.
Opposition leaders, including Claudia Sheinbaum (AMLO’s likely successor as president) and Xóchitl Gálvez, have remained silent on the matter, but analysts suggest they are watching closely. “If this becomes a pattern, it could weaken Morena’s electoral machine,” said BBC Mundo’s Latin America correspondent Valeria Franco. “The opposition will be quick to exploit any signs of internal division.”
Looking ahead, the next critical test for Morena will be the 2024 midterm elections, where the party will seek to retain control of Congress and key state governorships. If dissent within the party grows, it could jeopardize Morena’s electoral prospects, particularly in states like Yucatán, where opposition parties are already making gains. “This is a warning sign,” said Reforma’s political columnist El Observador. “AMLO’s team needs to address these concerns before they spiral out of control.”
What Happens Next? Key Developments to Watch
- Morena’s internal response: Will party leaders publicly reprimand Pech, or will they attempt to downplay his remarks as an isolated incident? Watch for statements from Morena’s national leadership in the coming days.
- Opposition reaction: Parties like PAN and PRI are likely to amplify Pech’s comments in their campaign messaging. Expect increased attacks on AMLO’s record ahead of the 2024 elections.
- AMLO’s approval ratings: If Pech’s remarks gain traction, polls may show further declines in AMLO’s support. The next Parametría survey (due in late October) will be closely watched.
- Yucatán’s political landscape: With gubernatorial elections in 2024, Morena’s ability to maintain control in Yucatán will be a key indicator of its broader health. Local party dynamics will be critical.
- Legal and corruption probes: Ongoing investigations into AMLO’s allies, including the 2023 corruption case, could further erode public trust if new scandals emerge.
The next major checkpoint will be the INE’s official campaign launch for the 2024 elections, scheduled for September 11, 2024. Until then, the focus will remain on internal party dynamics, with Pech’s remarks serving as a potential harbinger of deeper divisions to come.
What do you think? Will Morena’s internal fractures weaken AMLO’s legacy, or will the party rally behind him ahead of the elections? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
*Note: The video above shows José Luis Pech’s remarks during the Yucatán party gathering. The full statement has been verified by multiple Mexican news outlets, including Proceso and Reforma.
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