Topic:
Country: Mexico
Delegate Name: Anish Kulkarni
México firmly opposes the reduction of military budgets, as it would have detrimental consequences. The well-being of our citizens is at stake if Mexico’s military budget is diminished. One crucial aspect of the military’s support to the Mexican people is the DN3 Plan, also known as the Defense Against National Disasters Plan. This plan is a cornerstone of the Mexican Army’s peacetime operations, providing essential aid such as food, shelter, medicine, and medical services to those in need. Also, it encompasses the vital task of reconstructing roads and communication services. With numerous military officers involved, the DN3 Plan incurs a cost of 1.7 billion pesos or approximately 1 billion dollars. Eliminating this system would undoubtedly have a profound impact on the people of México and beyond.
Another compelling argument against reducing México’s military budget is the prevailing public sentiment. The citizens of México harbor a deep-seated mistrust towards the police, while they hold the military in high regard. Given the distinct roles of the military and police, the latter is often perceived as corrupt by the mainstream populace. Indeed, various sources indicate that between 72 to 77% of Mexican citizens believe most or all of the police force is corrupt. In stark contrast, only around 10% perceive the military as corrupt, according to Statistica. Consequently, AMLO aims to bolster the military presence in Mexico to restore public trust in law enforcement. Any cuts to the military budget at this juncture would severely undermine the armed forces’ credibility among the Mexican people.
A further rationale for Mexico’s resistance to reducing the military budget is the ongoing battle against cartels and illicit drug trade within the country. A report by Science.org stated that the Mexican government is engaged in a relentless yet seemingly futile war against numerous cartels involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, extortion, and other criminal activities. Despite thousands of cartel members being incarcerated annually, the violence associated with these organizations continues to escalate. However, recent research has proposed a mathematical model that could potentially disrupt this cycle of violence. A study published by a nonprofit organization reveals that cartels collectively employ approximately 175,000 individuals in Mexico, ranking them as the fifth largest employer in the country. The study suggests that the most effective strategy to combat organized crime is to curtail the cartels’ recruitment capabilities. In response to this, Mexico, in collaboration with its ally, the US, has initiated a crackdown on cartels. While this plan may result in job losses, it promises a safer environment for Mexico and the world at large. Nevertheless, the implementation of this plan requires substantial funding, potentially running into billions of dollars. Therefore, any cuts to the military budget could jeopardize the continuation of this crucial project.
Mexico’s stance is not in favor of reducing our military budget, but rather ensuring it adequately serves the needs of our people. Our President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, also known as AMLO, has proposed an 81% increase in the military budget over the 2024 spending plan. AMLO expressed his satisfaction with this proposal, emphasizing that it would provide sufficient funding to address the issues above. He further highlighted that this budget increase is a positive development, as it will contribute to ongoing efforts to combat poverty and reduce economic and social inequality.
