KEYPOINTS OF PRESIDENT ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR’S MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE

July 19-25, 2023

Political Agenda

• Interoceanic Corridor: The president revealed that proposals have been received for five industrial parks in the Interoceanic Corridor. He anticipates that by September, a passenger and cargo train service will commence between Salina Cruz and Coatzacoalcos. Additionally, the terminals at the ports of Coatzacoalcos and Salina Cruz are expected to be operational between November and December, while the industrial parks are projected to begin operating around December to January. The Interoceanic Corridor aims to boost trade and economic development in the region.

• Presidential Agenda: The president mentioned that he will meet with Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, the advisor to the U.S. President for National Security, this afternoon to discuss topics such as migration, arms trafficking, drug trafficking, and cooperation for development. He emphasized the positive relationship with the U.S. government, stating that Ms. Elizabeth has visited Mexico about four times this year. Today, there will be a bilateral meeting with the United States, followed by a trilateral meeting with the addition of Canada tomorrow. Additionally, the president

KEYPOINTS OF PRESIDENT ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR’S MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE

mentioned his upcoming visits to various states in Mexico, including Nayarit, Sinaloa, La Laguna, Nuevo Leon, and Jalisco, to review water-related projects.

• President´s approval: President Lopez Obrador announced that according to the platform Streams Charts, he has risen three positions and now holds the third place among the most listened-to Spanish-speaking streamers. Additionally, he revealed that various telephone surveys show he has a 72% approval rating among citizens.

• CDMX: President Lopez Obrador shared his experiences as the former Chief of Government in Mexico City, where he encountered speculative financial practices that led to construction in inappropriate areas, including bald land and forests. To address the issue, a decision was made to restrict construction in 12 delegations and facilitate it in four others. However, this decision triggered corruption in the central region of the city, particularly in Miguel Hidalgo and Benito Juarez. The President expressed difficulty in fully rectifying the damage caused by corruption and highlighted similar issues in Veracruz’s historic center, where large constructions are allowed due to corruption involving both local authorities and the judicial system.

International

• Water treaty: President Lopez Obrador responded to questions about the water treaty with the United States, stating that Mexico has a 60% delay in fulfilling its water obligations this year due to some people withholding water in Chihuahua. He emphasized that the treaty is fair and beneficial for northern Mexican farmers, and it must be honored as agreed upon to avoid modifications. The President acknowledged that there is water hoarding in Chihuahua controlled by a small group with political affiliations, but he assured that there are no impending conflicts or claims from the U.S. government.

• Trilateral Meeting: President Lopez Obrador mentioned that tomorrow, they will hold a trilateral meeting with the delegations of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The meeting will address migration, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling. He expressed gratitude to President Biden for denouncing the actions of the Governor of Texas, who installed buoys on the Rio Grande, violating Mexico’s sovereignty and bilateral treaties. The President assured that the Governor will not have support from Mexican-Americans or humanitarian individuals who understand the root causes of migration. Tomorrow, detailed reports will be provided by Alicia Barcena, the Secretary of Defense, and Admiral Ojeda. Additionally, President Lopez Obrador will discuss the CELAC summit in the upcoming days.

KEYPOINTS OF PRESIDENT ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR’S MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE

the change to his administration’s efforts in tackling corruption and stopping drug trafficking. The President announced that the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) reported a decline in inflation in Mexico, which now stands at 4.79%. He highlighted the significance of remittances, which contribute $60 billion annually to the country’s economy, and emphasized that the Mexican peso remains stable without devaluation.

• Economic growth: President Lopez Obrador celebrated the reported 4% economic growth by INEGI, highlighting that it signifies there is no stagnation in the country’s economy.

Environment

• Migration: President Lopez Obrador discussed migration issues and US-Mexico relations, expressing concern over the treatment of migrants in Texas and criticizing anti-migrant policies. He highlighted the importance of dialogue and social programs to address migration at its root, stressing the need to avoid trade wars between neighboring countries. The President also praised the good relationship with President Biden and reported upcoming meetings with US officials to discuss security matters. Additionally, he celebrated Mexico’s recent economic growth.

Economy

• Credit rating: In response to questions about credit rating agencies downgrading PEMEX’s credit rating, President Lopez Obrador attributed

• PEMEX: President Lopez Obrador addressed the losses of 700,000 barrels of oil due to accidents in oil wells during a conference. He emphasized the need for reparations and investigations into worker negligence and lack of professionalism. The President called for holding companies accountable and possibly sanctioning them for their involvement in exploration and drilling processes. Despite challenges in canceling contracts due to equipment shortages from past privatization, PEMEX is working to reduce costs and increase liquid hydrocarbon production. The government aims to achieve fuel self-sufficiency through investments in refining and continued cost-saving efforts. President Lopez Obrador also stressed the importance of fighting corruption within PEMEX and reviving the petrochemical industry.

• Beer plant: President Lopez Obrador confirmed that the beer plant project in Mexicali has been officially closed following a public consultation.