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Article https://www.somoselmedio.com/los-7-principios-del-zapatismo/

The seven principles of Zapatismo

On January 1, 1994, one month after Ernesto Zedillo was sworn in as President of Mexico and on the same day that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect, thousands of indigenous men and women declared war on the Mexican State. From deep within the state of Chiapas, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) emerged.

For years, the Zapatista movement has not only survived the attacks of paramilitary groups and media strategies by PRI governments, but has also made multiple contributions to the political and social life of the country, according to political analysts and historians.

One of them, possibly the most important, was the recognition by Mexicans of the racism, marginalization and abandonment of Mexico's indigenous peoples.

Along with these contributions, the 7 principles of Zapatismo for a good government also stand out:

Obey and not command.

The people have, at all times, the power to revoke the leader who does not fully comply with his function. The government obeys the needs of each community or locality without deciding what is the best way to live our lives, simply complying with organizing and planning. Whoever rules, obeys the will of the people.

Represent and not supplant

The principle of all government is in the representation of a will. Representatives are elected on a rotating basis, even without their request, but it is not seen as an imposition, but as a service to the community. Their work is just as important as that of any other person in the community.

Going down and not up

Zapatismo does not aspire to take power because it knows that power comes from the people. To build community is to put knowledge and techniques at the service of society, to accept that any work is just as important as a public position.

To serve and not to serve oneself

Cooperation from public office to any activity requires solidarity and disinterested action. Serving the community is not a bureaucratic procedure or a paid job, it is an expression of the community.

Convincing and not defeating

Fundamental principle for the creation of a new world. Absurd electoral contests and campaigns that do not represent the real interests of the people are useless. The new politics is made through conviction, not through the decision of a few.

To build and not to destroy

The construction of a new world does not have an instructive; neither Zapatismo nor anyone else has the truth or the capacity to choose what form of government is most appropriate for each people and nation that make up the Latin American and world reality.

To propose and not to impose

Breaking with the politics that dominate society requires a radical change. Proposing through action and word, acting in consequence with reality and with a social purpose is a maxim for both individuals and government to achieve a transformation in society.