Mexico's Senate Just Approved Changing the Constitution: Here's What You Need to Know

The Senate's Approval

On December 12, 2022, the Mexican Senate voted to approve a series of constitutional amendments that would give the government greater control over the country's energy sector. The amendments were passed by a vote of 85 to 25, with the support of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's Morena party and its allies.

The amendments would give the government the power to regulate the electricity industry, set prices, and issue permits for new power plants. The changes would also allow the government to prioritize the use of renewable energy sources and to create a new state-owned power company.

The Proposed Changes

The proposed constitutional changes would give the government greater control over the country's energy sector in several ways.

• The government would be given the power to regulate the electricity industry, set prices, and issue permits for new power plants.
• The government would have the ability to prioritize the use of renewable energy sources in the country's energy mix.
• The government would establish a new state-owned power company to compete with private sector companies.

The Debate Over the Changes

The proposed constitutional changes have been the subject of much debate in Mexico. Supporters of the changes argue that they are necessary to protect the country's energy resources and to promote the use of renewable energy. Opponents of the changes argue that they would give the government too much control over the energy sector and would discourage private investment.

The Implications of the Changes

The approval of the constitutional changes by the Senate is a significant step in the Mexican government's efforts to gain greater control over the country's energy sector. The changes are likely to have a major impact on the country's energy industry and could also have implications for Mexico's relationship with foreign investors.