National Autonomous University of Mexico

The National Autonomous University of Mexico

Political Climate

UNAM students and professors are regarded around Mexico as very politically aware, and sometimes politically active. The general tendency is left-wing, with several socialist movements emerging from university students and staff, as well as prominent right-wing politicians, like Carlos Salinas de Gortari.

Related Topics:
Socialist - Carlos Salinas de Gortari

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However, UNAM is perhaps the place with more active political discussion in Mexico, including serious debate, mostly on the part of the faculty members. Among professors one can find influential people in Mexican politics, as well as respected analysts. Discussion of political subjects is often encouraged by professors. International politics are also discussed, and several groups of interest have been formed, again mostly by professors, which have several degrees of influence in national opinion.

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Despite the general leftist orientation, some right wing organizations have also benefited from university members. Some versions indicate that some of the current high-ranking government officials (Secretaries and advisors) emerged from a particular right-wing movement of christian-nationalist orientation, born in UNAM in the 1960s.

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In general, being a former student or professor at UNAM almost guarantees a degree of political awareness not present in the average Mexican population. It is for this reason that political unrest is not uncommon among the UNAM community.

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