Samuel García: A Genuine Contender or a Strategy to Divide Mexico’s Opposition Vote?
In the midst of Mexico’s rapidly changing political landscape, [Samuel García](https://sputniknews.lat/20220104/samuel-garcia-el-polemico-gobernador-mexicano-acusado-de-despojo-inmobiliario-y-lavado-de-dinero-1119996364.html) emerges as a significant figure in the run-up to the [2024 Presidential Elections](https://sputniknews.lat/20230925/amlo-dara-proteccion-a-xochitl-galvez-y-claudia-sheinbaum-rumbo-al-proceso-electoral-en-mexico-1144088898.html). As the political chessboard sees its pieces move, the question arises: is García a real option for the presidency, or does his candidacy play into a larger strategy aimed at fragmenting the opposition’s vote against [Morena](https://sputniknews.lat/20231024/elecciones-en-mexico-samuel-garcia-pide-licencia-para-buscar-la-candidatura-presidencial-en-2024-1145062496.html), the governing party led by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador?
The Political Maneuvers of Marcelo Ebrard
Following weeks of speculation on November 13, Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s former foreign minister, announced he would remain within Morena’s ranks, despite his dissatisfaction with the internal survey process of the party. This decision seemingly paved the way for Claudia Sheinbaum to become Morena’s national coordinator for the defense committees of the fourth transformation, positioning her as the frontrunner for the 2024 presidential candidacy.
Samuel García Steps into the Spotlight
Although Ebrard had some engagement with the leadership of the [Movimiento Ciudadano (MC)](https://sputniknews.lat/20220104/samuel-garcia-el-polemico-gobernador-mexicano-acusado-de-despojo-inmobiliario-y-lavado-de-dinero-1119996364.html) party to become their presidential candidate, he finally struck a political deal with Sheinbaum. This leaves Samuel García, the governor on leave from Nuevo León and a prominent member of the so-called “orange party”, free to become MC’s leading candidate.
Current Electoral Sentiments and Predictions
According to the latest survey by the Mexican newspaper El Financiero, García figures as the third preferred option in a scenario where he competes against Sheinbaum from Morena and Xóchitl Gálvez, representing the PRI-PAN-PRD alliance, with an 8% preference among voting intentions. However, with pre-campaigns yet to commence officially as per the National Electoral Institute (INE) calendar, García has at least six months to position himself more favorably in the public eye.
Triangular Contest in the Horizon
For months, even before the electoral race had officially started, the outlook in Mexico was somewhat predictable, with Claudia Sheinbaum and Xóchitl Gálvez poised for a historic showdown to become Mexico’s first female president. However, one factor was often overlooked: the [Movimiento Ciudadano](https://sputniknews.lat/20231024/elecciones-en-mexico-samuel-garcia-pide-licencia-para-buscar-la-candidatura-presidencial-en-2024-1145062496.html) party. This progressive self-described political group ruled out entering the electoral contest in alliance with traditional forces such as PRI, PAN, and PRD. García is expected to be named its candidate for the upcoming election.
Samuel García’s Political Impact and Expert Analysis
Despite lagging in the polls as of late October, political scientist and academic from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Adriana Báez, suggests that García could perform well in the electoral process, appealing to the middle class. She credits his supported achievements by the federal government, such as addressing the water shortage issue and facilitating Tesla’s investment in Nuevo León, a major business hub in the country. Ivonne Acuña, a doctor of social sciences and academic of the Universidad Iberoamericana, notes that while García has had successes and media presence, his relatively brief political career doesn’t match the experience of Sheinbaum and Gálvez.
“Two years as governor and his time in the local Congress do not make him an experienced politician… But what Samuel seeks is visibility; by running in the 2024 contest, he will achieve a visibility that the governorship doesn’t grant,” explains Acuña.
A Genuine Chance or A Divide-and-Conquer Strategy?
Some criticism around Samuel García’s candidacy revolves around the potential of him being a candidate who could split the opposition vote in Morena’s favor. Experts suggest that García might attract votes from both the opposition and Morena supporters, as Movimiento Ciudadano could sway the young and center-left voters. However, García is seen as potentially taking a more significant share from Xóchitl Gálvez.
With this electoral dynamic unfolding, Adriana Báez views García’s rise as a sign of Mexico’s party system undergoing renewal.
“We are witnessing a PRD on the brink of disappearance, the PRI and PAN severely weakened, and public frustration with these parties. Meanwhile, Movimiento Ciudadano has played it smart by respecting the laws and refraining from engaging in premature pre-campaign activities. They are coming across as a straight-shooting party that could be classified as social-democratic and could take the place of the current main parties,” concludes expert Báez.
As the political gears turn, only time will reveal whether Samuel García stands as a genuine presidential aspirant or as a tactical play within Mexico’s intricate political theatre.