In a significant development, Mexico's armed forces have assumed responsibility for fixing the nation's highways, marking yet another civilian role they have taken over. This new task of filling potholes adds to a growing list of projects that the armed forces are now overseeing, including planes, trains, and law enforcement.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced that highway maintenance in southern Mexico has been transferred from the government's Transportation Department to the armed forces. The decision to shift this responsibility came after the president criticized the high costs and corruption associated with private companies that previously held road maintenance contracts.
López Obrador emphasized that the construction industry had been plagued by corruption, leading to a lack of reliable companies for such projects. By entrusting the armed forces with highway maintenance, the president aims to ensure a more honest and efficient approach to infrastructure development.
Under López Obrador's administration, the armed forces have taken on various new roles, including leading law enforcement efforts through the National Guard and overseeing state-owned enterprises like the government's airline. The military's involvement in civilian tasks represents a departure from the traditional stance of staying out of politics and public roles.
While the president defends the military's involvement as a means to combat corruption and inefficiency, critics argue that these measures risk militarizing the country and undermining the long-standing separation between the armed forces and civilian governance.
Despite concerns raised by some quarters, López Obrador remains steadfast in his belief that the armed forces are better equipped to handle these responsibilities and bring about positive change in Mexico's infrastructure and security sectors.
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