‘Let’s go back to drawing board’

A bishop has proposed a new constitution aimed at “relaunching” his country and reorganising Mexican society.

Bishop Raúl Vera has called for a Citizens’ Constituent Assembly, which would create a new government, with the election of a congress free of anyone from the political classes. “It is they who are putting dishonest people into government, people who are unethical, and ambitious – merchants in human flesh,” he said.

Bishop Vera proposed a panel of citizens and a dialogue with the people, incorporating thoughts and ideas “from every corner” of the country.

“It’s not about asking the opinions of clever people, but listening to the victims and integrating their proposals. It’s about incorporating all Mexicans, putting everyone in the same category of human being.” The bishop said the violence blighting Mexican society must come to an end. “The violence is off the scale and has no precedent in Mexico. This country is the most shattered place on the planet.”

In February Pope Francis raised hackles in Mexico when he said he hoped Argentina could “avoid Mexicanisation”. He later said the word was “technical”, with no bearing on “Mexico’s dignity”.

Bishop Vera said that, under the new order, austerity should be imposed and wealth redistributed to pull millions out of poverty. The Church too would have to adjust, he pointed out. “The Church must leave behind hypocrisy, exchanging it for compassion and justice,” he said.