The Mexican State has failed, again, in providing security for its citizens. The years of tranquility experienced during the economic recovery of the late 1990s, suggest that, indeed, better economic conditions, and not the government's anti-crime initiatives, reduced crime in the country. Now that economic conditions are not as promising, Mexican society is living in fear again.
This fear is produced by a recent wave of kidnappings. In the most recent case, a teenager was kidnapped and murdered by a highly organized band that is likely to have connection to police forces. As a response to the trends in crime, sectors of society have organized a march against insecurity that will take place in August 30th. As an anticipated response, different branches of government, but at the federal and local levels, have signed a "National Security, Justice and Legality Agreement."
The agreement is not particularly surprising or promising. First, it is unfortunate that such agreement takes place only after society legitimately demands protection and an efficient administration of justice. This initiative indeed comes too late for many families and friends that have lost a loved one. Second, the superficial agreement does not tackle the causes of insecurity, but instead aims at appeasing the demands that have emerged in the last few weeks.
In short, Mexico is traveling back in time to the mid 1990s when horrendous crimes, marches against insecurity, and shallow government initiatives were the order of the day. Nothing structurally changed then and things are not likely to change now. These are regrettable news for a society that pays taxes and yet lives in a state of fear. The only actors that are likely to benefit from this situation are private security companies.
