DISINFO: European Commission interferes in Mexico by funding a study against López Obrador
SUMMARY
An Irish university is preparing a study on populism based on the figure of former Mexican president López Obrador, which seeks to provide a critical definition of populism. The EU is providing more than €200,000 for this project under the European Commission's Horizon Europe research programme.
Europe uses soft power strategies and academic tools to criticize governments that affect European oligarchies. These types of studies are mechanisms of interference rather than academic projects, since interventionist policies are often implemented through educational institutions.
RESPONSE
The allegation is demonstrably false, aiming to attack the European Union by portraying it as an interfering power in other countries’ affairs.
The Horizon Europe programme is intended to boost research and innovation, but it does not dictate the terms of academic investigation. Populism is a legitimate field of study in political science and a well-defined concept with its own characteristics. Labelling a specific politician or political party as populist can be subject to debate, but by no means it implies an attempt to undermine this figure or movement.
As a former president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador is currently a historical figure whose term and legacy can be subject to academic scrutiny. And ultimately, contrary to what this disinformation story suggests, even a critical review of his presidency would not have any political effect since he left office in September 2024 and is not in power anymore.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives, such as claims that the US is funding a colour revolution in Mexico, that the European Commission always worked under Washington's direction, that the European Commission wants to certify "true" information, or that the EU does not need Russian 'interference' as it has Brussels for that.