The theater of pensions: applause with whistles included
The congressional committees unanimously gave the green light to President Claudia Sheinbaum’s reform to put a cap of 70 thousand pesos per month on the so-called ‘golden pensions’ in the parastatal sector. A political gesture with all the spotlights on.
But, as in every good play, there is a second act. The opposition, which voted in favor, has already raised its voice pointing out two holes in the script.
They questioned the retroactivity in its application and that it is not generalized for officials of the Secretariats of State and military.
That is to say: why does it only affect some and not all? The question remains floating in the air of the session room.
Whose turn? (And who doesn’t)
The reform directly targets former officials of giants such as CFE and Pemex who today enjoy retirements that far exceed the presidential salary. The image of excessive luxury with public money is powerful.
The opinion has already traveled to the plenary session for final discussion, possibly this Tuesday. The great debate is expected.
But here is the detail that makes the blood burn: it is criticized that the measure is not even. While a former director of a parastatal will see his million-dollar pension cut, a former Secretary of State or a retired military man could continue in the same situation. Justice, seen this way, seems selective.
It is a calculated political move. Sheinbaum wins points by attacking a symbol of privilege hated by citizens. But the opposition has already marked territory by pointing out the contradictions. The real drama begins when the project reaches the plenary session and each force has to explain its vote before the cameras. The curtain has not fallen yet.
