President Claudia Sheinbaum told reporters Thursday that, despite a defeat in the Chamber of Deputies, her administration has a “Plan B” to reshape Mexico’s electoral system. The constitutional reform she championed lost the vote after members of the allied Green and Workers parties broke ranks, preventing Morena from reaching the super‑majority needed for passage.
Sheinbaum, who entered office in 2024, framed the proposal as a budget‑austerity package but critics said it would diminish the influence of smaller parties. The centerpiece of the bill sought to abolish Mexico’s proportional‑representation system, which awards seats to parties based on their national vote share even when they do not win individual districts. By eliminating that mechanism, all 500 congressional seats would be filled only through direct voter elections.
The plan also called for a 25 % cut in election‑related spending, targeting funds for the National Electoral Institute and the subsidies currently granted to all parties. Experts warned that such cuts could jeopardize the administration of future elections and bolster Morena’s dominance.
Political science professor Georgina de la Fuente of Tecnológico de Monterrey added that the vote “shows the small parties are not going to give their unconditional support (to Morena), they are not going to put their survival at risk.” Sheinbaum responded that voters will assess whether the allied parties upheld their promises to back her agenda.
While details of “Plan B” remain pending—Sheinbaum said she will outline them on Monday—she reiterated that the goal stays the same: “to continue reducing privileges.” The president’s remarks underscore the precarious nature of Morena’s coalition and set the stage for political maneuvering ahead of Mexico’s next electoral cycle.