EZLN Warns: «Progressive Left Governments’ Mistakes Fueling the Return of ‘Fascist’ Right in Latin America»

Original article: EZLN advierte: «Errores de gobiernos progresistas de izquierda impulsan el regreso de la derecha ‘fascista’ en América Latina»

A Critical Analysis in Zapatista Territory Warns That the Resurgence of the Fascist Right in LATAM is Largely Due to the Mistakes and Incompetence of Progressive Left Governments.

On the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) uprising, analysts gathered at the “Pyramids: of History, Love, and Heartbreak” seed meeting issued a stern warning: the resurgence of “fascist” right-wing governments in Latin America is largely a result of the errors and limitations of the preceding progressive governments. 

As reported by La Jornada de México, this central thesis was developed by experts who argued that, despite promises of change, the capitalist economic model was not fundamentally challenged.

Dr. Carlos Aguirre Rojas, an economist from UNAM, provided a scathing assessment of recent progressive initiatives. He pointed out that from Hugo Chávez to Claudia Sheinbaum, including leaders from Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia, “none scratched the surface of the capitalist pyramid.” In his remarks, cited by La Jornada, Aguirre Rojas stated: “That capitalist pyramid continued to exist, grew, strengthened, and remains as robust and thriving as ever.” He criticized the persistent abuse against indigenous peoples and the working class, warning that “submissiveness” to the United States could pave the way for the right-wing’s return to power in Mexico.

Meanwhile, sociologist Raúl Romero, a contributor to this publication, examined the political use of history as a tool of domination, even by “self-proclaimed leftists.” He emphasized that the struggle of oppressed peoples to reclaim their memory is crucial, as “when one ignores their history, they lose their identity, and a people without identity is easily dominated.” According to La Jornada’s coverage, Romero linked this historical manipulation to current crimes, from Gaza to Ayotzinapa, and warned about narratives, such as those of Donald Trump, that seek to reinforce imperialism and prepare for greater conflict.

As a counterpoint and horizon, Subcomandante Insurgente Moisés, in closing the event, called for grassroots organization. “We insist that only through collective efforts can we peacefully demonstrate to capitalism that we will defend ourselves,” he asserted.

The meeting concluded by proposing that the alternative does not lie in recycling old political formulas, but in constructing from “the common,” a Zapatista idea that re-emerges as criticism and a potential response to the crisis of leftist projects in the region and the specter of a strengthened right.

Watch the video about the meeting (La Jornada de México)