Abstract

ALTAMIRANO, Melina  and  FLAMAND, Laura. Between universalism and re-centralization: the social policy of López Obrador’s government in Mexico (2018-2024). Foro int [online]. 2025, vol.65, n.3, pp.617-673.  Epub Oct 03, 2025. ISSN 0185-013X.  https://doi.org/10.24201/fi.3126.

This article examines the implementation of two central objectives of the social policy agenda proposed by the administration of President López Obrador: universalism and elimination of intermediaries in service provision. We argue that these two objectives may have different effects on reducing inequalities in social protection, depending on their specific characteristics. Our analysis focuses on three major interventions: non-contributory pensions (Pensión para el Bienestar), the health services reform, and the childcare services reform. The findings reveal mixed results. Regarding the first objective, universalism, there was a significant increase in the coverage of non-contributory pensions. However, effective access to public health care services and cash transfers for early childhood remains lacking. As for eliminating intermediaries, the program management centralization did not enhance government capacities to ensure adequate service provision. Re-centralization has increased reliance on market-based solutions in health services and reinforced the role of families as the main providers of care.

Keywords : universalism; recentralization; social policy; inequalities; welfare regime in Mexico.

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