Politics in Jalisco: Reactions to the Presidential Visit and Positions on Security and Judicial Elections

President Claudia Sheinbaum's visit to Jalisco this Sunday, May 25, has generated diverse reactions among local political forces, who are also defining their positions on crucial issues such as the persistent security crisis and the impending election of members of the Judiciary.

On a Sunday of intense political and social activity in Jalisco, marked by the presence of President Claudia Sheinbaum and Governor Pablo Lemus in Tlaquepaque for the "Salud Casa por Casa" event, the state's political parties were quick to react and take a stand. Discussions centered on intergovernmental collaboration, strategies to address the serious security situation, and the outlook for the upcoming election to renew positions in the Judicial Branch.

The presidential visit and the joint event could be interpreted as an effort to project an image of unity and pragmatic governance, overcoming partisan differences. This is especially relevant considering the history of tensions between the Citizen Movement (MC) in Jalisco and the federal government or the national leadership of Morena. Such gestures could seek to ease relations or be a strategy by MC to secure federal support, and by Morena to demonstrate its presence in a state not governed by them.

The Citizen Movement, as the governing party in Jalisco, has shown a willingness to collaborate with the federal government, as evidenced by Governor Lemus' participation in the event with President Sheinbaum. This line of joint work is expected to continue on priority issues for the state.

For its part, Morena Jalisco will likely seek to capitalize on the presidential visit to strengthen its image and that of federal social programs in the state. Meanwhile, opposition parties, such as the PAN and PRI, could issue critical statements or point out areas of opportunity in the relationship between the state and the federation.

Security remains a major concern in Jalisco. Political discussions often reflect on the crisis of missing persons, the operations of criminal groups like the CJNG, and emblematic cases like the Rancho Izaguirre case. Opposition parties often criticize the state and federal government's security strategies, while the ruling parties defend their actions and results.

The upcoming election for judges and magistrates is also at the center of the debate. At the national level, Morena has instructed its base to mobilize the vote in this election. In Jalisco, discussions about this process reflect not only a dispute over control of a branch of government, but also a deep crisis of confidence in the justice system, exacerbated by high-profile cases. If parties focus solely on political control of the judiciary without addressing the causes of citizen distrust, there is a risk of low turnout or a punishment vote.

Within Movimiento Ciudadano, echoes of the tensions between the Jalisco faction and the national leadership persist, as evidenced in past statements by former Governor Enrique Alfaro. The handling of security during Alfaro's administration continues to be criticized, especially in relation to the Rancho Izaguirre case and the response to organized crime. These internal dynamics and the legacy of previous administrations influence the party's current position.

The Green Party, for its part, has promoted issues such as the resolution of border disputes between Jalisco and Nayarit, seeking to have a voice on the state agenda.

A cross-cutting theme in the discourse of several political actors is the need for greater transparency and an effective fight against corruption. The penetration of organized crime into some structures and citizen distrust in institutions make this a constant demand.

Political parties in Jalisco are navigating a complex environment, where institutional collaboration on social programs coexists with profound differences on issues such as security and justice. Today's presidential visit acts as a catalyst for these dynamics, forcing political forces to define and communicate their positions to a citizenry demanding results and transparency.