Judicial power and economic restructuring in Mexico
The Los Angeles Times reports on an assertion of power by Mexico's supreme court that might lead to more economic restructuring.Will a court decision give strength to the forces favoring those economic reforms or lead to a successful redoubling of political efforts by powerful interest groups? (That's probably a false dichotomy. Both those things and others are likely. What would your students predict?)
Ruling hits 2 media giants
"Mexico's Supreme Court on Thursday struck down key provisions of a controversial media law crafted in large part by the nation's two dominant TV broadcasters.
"The court's action could help pry open Mexico's broadcasting market, one of the least competitive in Latin America... And it could embolden Mexico's government to rein in other business titans that control key sectors of this nation's economy...
"In a series of stinging rebukes, the justices found several provisions to be unconstitutional because they would discriminate against competitors and would cement the two companies' market dominance...
"Court watchers hailed the decision as a rare check on the power of one of Mexico's most formidable corporate tandems — and a glimmer of hope for uprooting other entrenched monopolies that economists say are stifling job creation and economic growth here...
"Mexican President Felipe Calderon has talked of the urgency of increasing competition. But he has shown little appetite for taking on Mexico's powerful business interests...
"'The Supreme Court has just handed him an opportunity to … demonstrate some political courage,' said political analyst Denise Dresser, a columnist for the newspaper Reforma. 'This is going to be a defining challenge for President Calderon.'...
"Mexico's legislature approved the broadcasting legislation last year in the midst of a tight presidential race... Legislators have acknowledged intense pressure within their own parties to approve the measure out of fear that their candidates would be denied TV coverage...
"Speedy passage of the law provoked street protests...
"Media expert Raul Trejo Delarbre said the high court's ruling paves the way for a new round of broadcasting reform that could lead to more independent oversight of the industry and make it easier for new competitors to gain a foothold..."
Labels: change, economics, Mexico
posted by Ken Wedding @ 9:02 AM
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