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Washington Post

Washington Post

Mexico shuts watchdog agencies, intensifying fears for its democracy

Washington Post
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Mexican lawmakers vote to abolish the freedom-of-information institute and six other watchdog agencies.

The seven agencies were created in the wake of Mexico ’s transition to democracy in 2000 .

They were designed to check state power by giving citizens access to official documents.

President Claudia Sheinbaum , a leftist, says the money would be better spent on social programs.

“It will take a while for the majority of citizens to realize that it’s always an error to give all the power to one person or one party or coalition,” wrote Ricardo Elias , a columnist for the daily Reforma newspaper. “By the time this happens, the effort required of citizens to reverse the situation will be monumental.”.