Opinion Column | LYPmagazine

A Shift in Power: The New Political Balance

It has now been four years since Mauricio Kuri González took office as governor, and one year into the current legislature. This timeline matters—because the 2024 elections marked a turning point: Querétaro’s political balance shifted, redefining the conditions for effective governance.

For over 50 years of PRIAN rule (the longtime alliance between the PAN and PRI), state policy followed a clear ideological line, often disconnected from public interest. But everything changed when Morena won 10 out of 15 local districts, leaving the PAN with just eight seats, compared to twelve for the Fourth Transformation (4T).

In a desperate attempt to hold onto power, the PAN cobbled together an artificial majority by aligning with the PRI, Citizen’s Movement (MC), and the Green Party (PVEM), securing 13 seats. Still, the cracks in their legitimacy were already showing.

Querétaro Faces a Crisis of Governability

Governability—defined as the state’s ability to exercise power legitimately, effectively, and with stability—has clearly deteriorated.

The governor was forced to return to the streets, seeking to reconnect with citizens and restore public trust. Mayors from his party followed suit. But the damage was done.

The ability to design and implement citizen-focused public policy had been compromised. Transparency and civic participation—both vital for social development—were lost. Public confidence had vanished, and arrogance took hold within a government more focused on preserving privilege than serving the people.

Two Core Failures Behind the PAN Government’s Decline

1. Loss of Legitimacy

   Kuri won in 2021 with 54.25% of the vote—a wide margin over Morena’s 23.90%. But that support eroded rapidly in the face of growing discontent.

2. Overflow of Public Demands + Failed Governance

   As social demands intensified, the government proved unable to respond. Mismanagement led to rising frustration and a sense of political burnout.

The 2024 Collapse: A Point of No Return

Despite attempts to recover, the facts are undeniable:

• Over 8 billion pesos wasted on the February 5th infrastructure project

• A deepening water crisis in communities and neighborhoods

• Failing public transportation and mobility infrastructure

• Neglect of social spending

• A widespread perception of corruption

These conditions laid the groundwork for a crisis with no clear exit.

El Batán and the Storms: When Citizens Say “Enough”

Two recent events amplified the political fallout:

1. The “El Batán: Water for All” Project

   This plan sparked massive public opposition. Civil society, political parties, academia, scientists, and the media all demanded an Open Parliament process. Legislators from the opposition united to block the project. Why? The technical details were weak, and the financial plan was outrageous—a 30-year cost of over 40 billion pesos—all in the wake of the February 5th scandal.

2. Torrential Rains and Public Outrage

   Floods affected Querétaro City, El Marqués, Corregidora, and San Juan del Río. Over 500 government officials took to the streets—including the governor and local mayors—but public anger boiled over. People no longer blame the weather alone. They see the real culprits in poor planning, low-quality public works, and unchecked urban growth—all symptoms of entrenched corruption.

Looking Ahead to 2027: The PAN Is Running Out of Time

Today, Querétaro faces an undeniable crisis of governability. Institutional legitimacy has crumbled. Civic trust is in freefall. Social participation is fading.

Unless the government radically changes course, its chances of reelection in 2027 are vanishing.

The people are awake.

The silence is over.

And from the Left, we will continue to speak truth to power.

Deputy Ulises Gómez de la Rosa

📩 ulisesgr68@gmail.com

📱 Social Media:

Facebook: @Ulises Gómez R

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