Church criticizes former ruling party

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s Roman Catholic Church launched an unusually harsh criticism of the former ruling party Sunday, suggesting the group may be blocking anti-drug efforts.

An editorial posted on the Archdiocese of Mexico’s Web site did not mention the Institutional Revolutionary Party by its full name, but cited legislators describing the “‘revolutionary’ party as an obstacle to taking stronger measures to combat drug cartels.”

No other major party has “revolutionary” in its name.

The editorial also alludes to “a party rubbing its hands at returning to power.” The party, known as the PRI, held Mexico’s presidency without interruption for 71 years, before losing the 2000 elections. Most polls show it leading for July’s midterm elections.

The editorial suggested the PRI opposes reforms currently before Congress to enable the seizure of drug traffickers’ property.

“The question arises automatically, is it because of financial interests or base political concerns?” the unsigned piece read. “In either case, the answer is alarming.”

Earlier, PRI Sen. Fernando Castro told local news media that his party would approve some form of the law proposed by the administration of President Felipe Calderon but wants changes made to ensure that people facing seizures have a right to defend themselves.