Potentials and hurdles for the introduction of a public welfare-oriented system like Gradido in Mexico

Potentials

• Strong tradition of solidarity economy: Numerous community-financed projects, cooperatives and local currency systems, such as Túmin or Tianguis Tlaloc, already exist in Mexico. These experiences show that many people are open to alternative, community-oriented economic models, particularly in rural and indigenous regions^1^3.

• Neighborhood help and volunteer work are very important: Mexican society is characterized by strong family and community ties. Forms of mutual help such as tequio or faena are deeply rooted and provide a good basis for systems that focus on the common good and participation.

• High acceptance of digital innovations: Digital wallets and alternative payment systems are spreading rapidly, even among poorer sections of the population. This facilitates the technical implementation of a new system such as Gradido^1.

• Need for poverty reduction and participation: Many regions of Mexico are affected by poverty, social exclusion and a lack of opportunities. A system that promotes unconditional participation and value creation for the common good could meet with a great response here^5.

• Experience with alternative currencies: Local initiatives such as Túmin or Mixiuhca have shown that alternative currencies can strengthen the local economy, promote solidarity and reduce dependence on the peso^1^3.

Hurdles

• State and legal resistance: In the past, the Mexican National Bank and state authorities have legally persecuted alternative currency systems such as Túmin, as they are seen as competition to the peso and a threat to the state's monetary monopoly^3.

• Corruption and a lack of trust in institutions: Widespread corruption and weak institutions make it difficult to introduce new systems fairly and transparently. There is a risk that public welfare-oriented approaches will be appropriated or undermined.

• Digital and social divide: Despite progress in access to digital technologies, there are still major differences between urban and rural areas and between social groups. The poorest and most disadvantaged in particular could remain excluded from digital solutions if there is no targeted inclusion.

• Informal economy and insecurity: More than half of the workforce works informally. Many people are skeptical of new systems because they have had negative experiences with government or external initiatives. The high crime rate and insecurity can further jeopardize community projects^1.

• Cultural and political fragmentation: Mexico is culturally and regionally very diverse. A standardized system such as Gradido would have to be flexible enough to take local characteristics and needs into account and find acceptance in different contexts.

Overview: potentials and hurdles

Conclusion

Thanks to its community traditions, openness to innovation and experience with alternative economic models, Mexico offers great potential for the introduction of a public welfare-oriented system such as Gradido. However, the biggest hurdles lie in government resistance, legal uncertainties, corruption and social inequality. A successful approach would therefore have to be participatory, inclusive and adapted to local realities in order to achieve sustainable acceptance and impact^5^1^3.

Supplementary assessment from a Gradido perspective

Potential - Why Mexico could be a "cradle of change":

• Existing community structures create a natural resonance - the willingness to stand up for each other and break new ground together is rooted in social memory. Gradido initiatives can dock directly onto existing networks, initiatives and cooperatives.

• Broad experience with alternative currencies such as Túmin or local markets shows that people are experimenting boldly and creatively and see the "community-created good" as a real option.

• Technical openness ensures that a digital-based Gradido system can also be adapted quickly, especially by the younger generation and those who already use digital wallets.

• The great suffering from poverty, exclusion and insecurity creates a strong impetus for change - where conventions have become a problem, the hunger for new hope, participation and security is growing.

• Spiritual and cultural diversityIndigenous communities and alternative neighborhoods are open to new approaches, Catholic social teaching and strong solidarity values provide ethical anchor points for a financial system oriented towards the common good.

Hurdles - The "dragons" on the path to transformation:

• State and central banks defend the money monopolyThis is less a logical hurdle than a systemic one - it will take patience, dialog, courage and perhaps many small pilot projects before nationwide change becomes possible.

• Corruption can devalue the idea of the common goodOnly where honesty, transparency and community control are practiced can the fire of Gradido shine bright and pure. Decentralized, locally rooted structures are particularly important here.

• Social and digital divide must not become a new trap of exclusion: The Gradido system should be hybrid - digital AND analog, open to everyone, regardless of their level of technology and education.

• Informality, uncertainty and mistrustBecause many people have had bad experiences with failed initiatives, confidence-building, participatory processes are needed - "proof instead of promises", visibility in everyday life, active care.

• Cultural diversity, not a templateGradido must not be introduced as a rigid "construction kit", but as an open, learning and locally adapted process. Every region, every community is allowed to acquire and shape "its Gradido" independently.

Essence:
Mexico has the heart, the creativity, the urgency and the courage - but it needs local roots, transparency, diversity and genuine participation so that Gradido can arrive not as theory, but as experienced hope.