“Doublespeak Populism” and Public Administration: The Case of Mexico

Abstract

This chapter discusses how the Mexican public administration is being affected by a backsliding process triggered by the current government of Andrés Manuel López Obrador. It argues that Mexico is experiencing a case of what could labelled “doublespeak populism,” which is transforming in profound ways the country’s public administration. López Obrador’s agenda has been embedded in terms and phrases traditionally associated with the political left, but his policy measures actually reflect topics closer to the right. Moreover, these measures have been introduced whilst deliberately concealing their ultimate intentions and potential effects. As a result, López Obrador’s reforms have further deteriorated bureaucratic institutions and public services, thus affecting the overall welfare and basic rights of the people they are supposed to help. The chapter draws on policy proposals, presidential speeches, analyses from academics and policy experts, and news reports to assess the broader administrative consequences of López Obrador’s doublespeak populism on Mexico’s democratic governance.