The National Regeneration Movement (Spanish: Movimiento Regeneración Nacional), commonly known by its acronym Morena, is a major left-wing political party in Mexico. Founded in 2011 as a social movement and formally established as a political party in 2014, it rose to national prominence, achieving a supermajority in both chambers of the Mexican Congress and winning the presidency in the 2018 general election with its founder, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
History Morena originated from a social and political movement led by Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) following his second unsuccessful presidential bid in 2012. Initially formed to challenge what its members viewed as corruption and neoliberal policies, it officially registered as a political party with the National Electoral Institute (INE) in 2014. From its inception, the party focused on building a grassroots base and promoting an anti-establishment message. Its rapid ascent culminated in the 2018 general election, where López Obrador secured a landslide victory for the presidency, and Morena, in alliance with other parties, gained a significant majority in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, marking a historic shift in Mexican politics. The party has since maintained its dominant position in subsequent state and local elections.
Ideology and Platform Morena's ideology is broadly described as democratic socialist, progressive, and anti-neoliberal. Its platform is centered around the concept of the "Fourth Transformation" (Cuarta Transformación or 4T), a vision articulated by López Obrador, which aims to bring about profound societal change in Mexico, akin to the country's independence, the Reform War, and the Mexican Revolution. Key tenets of Morena's political program include:
- Combating Corruption: A central pillar of its platform, advocating for austerity in government and severe penalties for corrupt practices.
- Social Justice and Equality: Implementation of extensive social programs, including universal pensions for the elderly, scholarships for students, and support for farmers and vulnerable populations.
- Economic Sovereignty: Strengthening state-owned enterprises, particularly in the energy sector (Pemex and CFE), and promoting economic policies aimed at reducing dependence on foreign capital.
- Austerity in Government: Reducing public spending, cutting salaries for high-ranking officials, and eliminating what it considers unnecessary government expenses.
- Nationalism: Emphasizing national pride, sovereignty, and a non-interventionist foreign policy.
- Environmental Protection: While not always a primary focus, the party generally supports sustainable development, though some infrastructure projects have drawn criticism from environmental groups.
Leadership Andrés Manuel López Obrador served as the party's president until he became President of Mexico in 2018. Subsequent leadership has included Yeidckol Polevnsky Gurwitz and Mario Delgado Carrillo. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, who served as Head of Government of Mexico City, was Morena's presidential candidate in the 2024 general election and became President-elect.
Electoral Performance Morena's most significant electoral success was in the 2018 general election, where López Obrador won the presidency with over 53% of the vote. The party, in coalition with the Labor Party (PT) and the Social Encounter Party (PES), also secured a simple majority in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. It has continued to win numerous state governorships and local elections across the country, solidifying its position as the dominant political force in Mexico.
Criticisms and Controversies Morena has faced criticism regarding its governance, particularly concerning the alleged centralization of power around the executive branch, its reform efforts targeting autonomous institutions, and its economic and security strategies. Opponents have also raised concerns about some of its infrastructure projects and their environmental impact, as well as the party's rhetoric towards the opposition and the media.