Ricardo Pascoe Pierce
The appearance of Omar García Harfuch, secretary of the Federal Secretariat of Citizen Security, deserves a skeptical look. The “rock star” character of his presence in the Senate served to hide the deep-rooted problem of widespread violence in Mexico, the territorial occupation of organized crime, and corruption among high-ranking politicians in our country linked to drug trafficking. In addition, the festive and frivolous atmosphere allowed senators to avoid discussing the impact of crime on our relations with the international community, starting with Washington. He did not explain the content of his conversations and agreements with U.S. security agency officials, notably the FBI, Homeland Security, and the DEA.
While the female senators fluttered around the secretary, taking selfies like the most trained groupies, he managed to create the myth that “we are on the right track” in terms of security in Mexico. He gave the impression that there is a new security policy and that we are witnessing the burial of “hugs, not bullets.”
INEGI discreetly published its National Urban Security Survey (ENSU) the day after Harfuch’s appearance, as a courtesy to the official, so he would not be uncomfortable with figures that contradict his fundamental thesis that security is improving.
What does the ENSU say? 68% of women feel unsafe, and 56% of men feel the same way. Overall, 63% of Mexicans feel unsafe in their localities. As a result of the widespread perception of insecurity, 79% of the population supports the presence of the Armed Forces on the streets. This is an obvious conclusion for a population in panic: in the face of terror, they accept any force that will defend them. It does not take a genius to reach that conclusion. It speaks to a problem that is not only unresolved but also tends to deepen.
The ENSU also describes the population’s unease about the future. The majority of citizens (58%) expect the situation of insecurity to remain as bad or worsen. In other words, there is no perception of improvement, contrary to the expectations celebrated in the alienated Senate of the Republic. Similarly, the perception of “incivility,” such as drinking alcohol in the streets, theft or assault, drug dealing and use, etc., is that it will continue to grow, which refers to the widespread social perception that there is no authority capable of curbing such street behavior. It is a conclusion that promotes social unease.
The survey confirms that the Armed Forces are valued above the local police/ministerial, and civil authorities. This poses a contradiction for Harfuch. He commands the security forces least appreciated by the public, while the Navy, Army, and National Guard, which are the most appreciated security forces, do not respond to his command. This suggests a possible future conflict between Harfuch’s strategies and those of the Armed Forces, which have already disagreed with some of his actions and, most notably, with his handling of confidential intelligence.
The ENSU also reports that the population perceives the government, at all three levels, as essentially incapable of solving the problems afflicting Mexico’s urban populations. Although achievements are recognized more by the federal government than by state or municipal governments, approval ratings are very low —30% nationally.
The great contradiction between Omar García Harfuch’s euphoric appearance and the National Urban Security Survey yields completely contrasting results. It is the difference between the speech of a politician seeking the spotlight and applause and people talking about their daily existential anxieties. Between them lies a gulf.
@rpascoep
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