Salvador Abascal
Salvador Abascal Infante (born 18 May 1910 - 30 March 2000) was a Mejican politician, writer, utopian synarchist, and prominent cabinet member during the mid-20th century. He was one of José Vasconcelos' closest and most devoted followers, known for his intellectual prowess and his oratory skills. As the right-hand man and hand-picked successor of Vasconcelos, Abascal played a significant role in shaping the political ideology and policies of the Vasconcelist regime.
Born into a devout Catholic family in Valladolid, Michoacán, Abascal developed a deeply religious and conservative worldview from an early age. He honed his rhetorical skills and political acumen through his involvement with various right-wing Catholic organizations and intellectual circles. Abascal pursued his higher education abroad, immersing himself in the intellectual and political climate of Europe, particularly in France. During his time there, he encountered a diverse range of ideologies and philosophies, including the ideas of influential figures Charles Maurras and Georges Boulanger. This exposure to European political thought during his studies broadened Abascal's perspectives and provided him with valuable insights that he would later incorporate into his political career.
Upon returning to Mejico, he crossed paths with Vasconcelos, quickly becoming acquainted with him and working closely as his protégé. Under his supervision, in León, Guanajuato, in 1937, Abascal, alongside a group of like-minded individuals, founded the National Synarchist Union (UNS), an ultra-Catholic political party espousing strong traditional and nationalist principles, including Maurrasian integralism, corporate statism, and national syndicalism. The UNS quickly gained influence and support among segments of the population.
Furthermore, Abascal's intellectual prowess and strong writing skills were instrumental in articulating the philosophical underpinnings of Vasconcelism. He authored numerous influential articles, essays, and manifestos that provided intellectual and ideological grounding for the new nationalist movement, further solidifying his reputation as a profound thinker and influential political figure. His role as Vasconcelos' right-hand man afforded him unparalleled access to the inner workings of the regime. He was involved in the formulation and execution of key policies, advising on matters of governance, economic development, and social reforms. His exceptional organizational abilities and political astuteness ensured the smooth functioning of the Vasconcelist government machinery.
Following the passing of Vasconcelos in 1959, Abascal assumed the leadership of the nation, taking on the role of the country's dictator, and continuing to work closely with the Mejican emperors. During his tenure, Abascal governed with an iron fist, implementing politics rooted in a combination of Vasconcelism, Castizae, and corporatism. His regime placed a great emphasis on preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Mejico, as well as advancing the principles of National Catholicism and national unity.
Despite his autocratic rule, Abascal maintained a loyal following among his supporters, who viewed him as a staunch defender of traditional values and national identity. He also sought to improve Mejico's reputation on a worldwide scale, with grand infrastructural projects and the revamping of the economy, introducing new technologies in the country and opening it up for international competitions, such as the 1968 Summer Olympics, which were to be hosted in Mejico City. In the same year, a student movement protested against his regime, posing a significant challenge to his authority and policies. Originally a peaceful demonstration of students calling for greater democracy and freedom of speech, it was quickly characterized as a subversive plot to overthrow his government and the emperor's and install a communist regime in Mejico.
The movement was criminalized, and its followers were branded as terrorists. The government used its paramilitary groups, such as the Batallón Olimpia, the Imperial Security Directorate, and the Secret Police, as well as the Mejican Armed Forces, to carry out violent attacks against demonstrators. The most notorious attack was the Tlatelolco Massacre, which took place on October 2, 1968, just ten days before the start of the Olympic Games. The government deployed its security forces to the namesake square as part of Operation Galeana, and opened fire on the violent protesters, killing hundreds and injuring thousands, tainting Mejico's image, being widely criticized on both the domestic and international stage.
In 1970, citing a conviction that he had successfully achieved everything he and his predecessors wanted for Mejico, Abascal resigned from the Presidency and ceded his powers to Emperor Agustín V. After his retirement from politics, he largely retreated from the public sphere and focused on his literary pursuits, penning several more books and essays that further explored the ideas of Vasconcelism, an autobiography, and a dissertation on his pragmatic style of governance.
Peacefully passing away at his home in Mejico City at the age of 89, Abascal's legacy remains a topic of debate among scholars and historians. While his supporters praise his unwavering commitment to nationalism and the preservation of traditional values, his detractors criticize his authoritarian methods and curtailment of civil liberties.