In a significant development, Mexico’s ruling Morena party has elected Luisa Maria Alcalde as its new leader. Alcalde, a 37-year-old lawyer with a strong political background, will be responsible for unifying the diverse wings of the Morena movement as it enters a new era without its founder, the influential Andres Manuel López Obrador.
Since its inception in 2011, Morena has become a political powerhouse, eclipsing the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) which held power for seven decades. Morena now governs 23 of Mexico’s 32 states and has a commanding presence in both chambers of Congress. Alcalde, a steadfast ally of Lopez Obrador, served as a congresswoman, Labor Secretary, and most recently, as Interior Secretary, a position considered one of the most vital in the country’s political landscape.
Upon her election, Alcalde assured Morena supporters that she would not let them down. Mexico’s President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum expressed confidence in Alcalde’s leadership, praising her ability to guide the movement with unity and principle.
Adding another layer to this political shift, Andres Manuel Lopez Beltran, the son of the outgoing president, was elected as the Secretary of Organization. Although Lopez Obrador stepped back from the leadership of Morena in 2017 to pursue the presidency, analysts believe the party has always been closely aligned with his influence.
As Morena embarks on this new chapter, it faces the challenge of navigating its own path without the guidance of Lopez Obrador. Political analyst Rene Delgado observes that the party will have to learn to wield power independently, as Lopez Obrador’s influence gradually fades.
Alcalde’s family has deep roots in Mexican politics. Her mother, Bertha Luján, is a veteran Morena politician and a long-time ally of Lopez Obrador. Her sister, Bertha Alcalde, has also held various public positions. Alcalde herself played a pivotal role in Morena’s foundation in 2011 as its youth coordinator, underscoring her commitment to the party’s principles and goals.
