Address by Ernesto Zedillo Ponce De Leon

In: Publius: the journal of federalism, Band 29, Heft 4, S. 15-22

Abstract

Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo Ponce De Leon recounts the development of federalism in Mexico. He notes that, while federalism as a concept in the constitution & in law is nearly as old as Mexican independence itself, it has not been a reality until fairly recently. He recalls his efforts as Minister of Education to decentralize the education system & as president to decentralize the public health system. In both cases, federalism has better served the ends of democracy & social justice. While Mexico's initial attempts at decentralization have been relatively successful, much more remains to be done. However, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that the central government remains vitally important in areas such as resource redistribution (from wealthy to poor areas) & in maintaining national unity. K. W. Larsen