Beyond Appearances: Unveiling the Disconnect between Governance and Legitimacy in López Obrador's Government (2018-2024) in Mexico

This article examines the complex relationship between governance and legitimacy during Andrés Manuel López Obrador's administration in Mexico (2018-2024). Using a mixed-methods approach, it analyzes the evolution of governance indicators and popular support, considering how high levels of legitimacy have persisted despite weak governance. This persistence is partly attributed to presidential charisma, the low political culture of Mexicans, and social welfare policies. The study reviews theoretical frameworks on legitimacy and governance, assessing the apparent disconnect between these concepts in the Mexican context. Additionally, it proposes possible explanations for this paradox and suggests avenues for future research on how social and political factors influence public perceptions of government performance.