KEYPOINTS OF PRESIDENT

ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR’S MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE

with a focus on scientific and humanistic education. He highlighted educational goals, including reduced dropout rates through scholarships and better treatment of teachers, ensuring a minimum monthly salary of 16,000 pesos. Around 75% of public schools now have parent-managed maintenance budgets. Improved textbook content was also emphasized. The President stressed the rights-based approach to education and healthcare in his administration.

• Morelos Prosecutor: President Lopez Obrador reiterated that the arrest of the Morelos prosecutor, Uriel Carmona, was legal, as the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) has stated that he has immunity regarding federal crimes. However, the arrest was made for a crime falling under local jurisdiction.

• Migration: President Lopez Obrador stated that migrant safety is a priority and noted a 26% increase in regional migration between June and July. He reiterated that the Secretary of Foreign Relations, Alicia Barcena, will provide information on this matter in the upcoming week.

• Xochitl Galvez: President Lopez Obrador questioned the consideration of his remarks as gender-based political violence in response to a reporter’s query about the National Electoral Institute’s impending resolution. He defended his right to express concerns about the “conservative bloc” aiming to regain power. He reiterated his stance on Xochitl Galvez being associated with certain interests and pledged not to mention her if prohibited by the resolution, implying potential bias in favor of the oligarchy within the Electoral Tribunal.

• Future Development: President Lopez Obrador revealed his intention to leave a draft of future development topics for Mexico’s next administration. This outline, or preliminary project, encompasses issues his government may not complete but believes should be pursued to stimulate economic growth, guide regional development, and enhance social well-being.He emphasized that this blueprint would represent his vision of priority subjects, serving as an optional guideline for the incoming government. Notable among these topics are regional development, fostering the Plan Sonora for renewable energy generation, rational water management, promoting specific crops, and outlining crop restrictions.

• Presidents Approval: The Coordinator General of Social Communication of the Presidency, Jesus Ramirez Cuevas, presented the results of the Morning Consult survey, indicating President Lopez Obrador’s approval rating at 64%. This reflects a 2% increase compared to the previous week’s measurement.

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

achievements. Common crimes have decreased by 17.9%, and homicides by 17%. The President anticipates a reduction of up to 20% in homicides by the end of his term. Kidnapping victims have decreased by 73.9%, and motor vehicle thefts by less than 45.7%.

• Tamaulipas: President Lopez Obrador discussed the issue of alleged impunity and insecurity in a state where officials lead the State Prosecutor’s Office. He acknowledged that the direct appointment of attorneys general and anti-corruption prosecutors by governors has not produced desired outcomes. He highlighted the challenge of addressing these officials due to their protection by the Federal Judicial Power. He mentioned considering legal reforms to modify the autonomy of these positions. Regarding Tamaulipas, the President expressed confidence in Governor Dr. Americo Villarreal’s integrity and commitment to social justice, assuring that the situation will be resolved.

International

Security

• CDMX: President Lopez Obrador discussed improved security in Mexico City, attributing it to effective policies dating back to Engineer Cardenas’ time. Crime rates and insecurity perceptions decreased during his tenure, with notable progress in reducing homicides and vehicle thefts. Marcelo Ebrard’s administration achieved even greater reductions. Half of stolen vehicles were insured, aiding insurers’ statistics. Lopez Obrador credited welfare programs and enhanced police training and equipment for these improvements.

• Security achievements: The Federal Executive highlighted their administration’s security

• Visit to Washington D.C.: President Lopez Obrador stated that his visit to Washington aims to follow up on agreements regarding migration and arms trafficking, and to strengthen economic and trade integration between the countries. He mentioned that BlackRock recently highlighted Mexico as a top destination for foreign investment. He expressed appreciation for the positive relationship with President Biden, emphasizing that Biden is the first president not to build a wall, unlike previous Republican presidents. Lopez Obrador reiterated two strategic priorities: enhancing integration with North America and

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

promoting short- and medium-term integration in Latin America, with the goal of emphasizing the region’s significance in the United States.

• Tour in Latin America: President Lopez Obrador confirmed his attendance at the North American Leaders’ Summit later this year. He also reiterated his participation in the Latin America and Caribbean Summit on New Antidrug Policies in Cali, Colombia, at the invitation of President Gustavo Petro. He will meet with Petro on September 9th, coinciding with the summit’s conclusions. Following that, he plans to travel to Santiago, Chile, to commemorate Salvador Allende’s anniversary and respond to President Gabriel Boric’s invitation.

Economy

• Economy: President Lopez Obrador highlighted Mexico’s strong economic performance, ranking second globally in recovery after China. GDP is projected to rise by 0.7% in Q2 and 1.3% by yearend. Inflation decreased to 5% due to lower gasoline prices, with food driving inflation more than energy. The minimum wage increased significantly, boosting families’ buying power. Unemployment decreased by 2.5%, and over 1.2 million jobs were created since 2020. The Mexican peso appreciated against the US dollar. Mexico remains a top US trade partner, attracting substantial foreign investment without increasing debt. Poverty reduced, aided by government assistance, and remittances are expected to reach 60 billion dollars this year.

• Banamex: President Lopez Obrador revealed that the government initially considered acquiring Banamex to establish a state-owned bank for managing funds, saving on fees, and preserving cultural heritage. He suggested that this project might continue under the next administration, despite potential ideological debates about state involvement in the economy, similar to discussions in the energy sector. He also noted significant profits of banks, including Banamex, and their role in the economy.

Environment

• Water scarcity: President Lopez Obrador announced that he will provide information in the coming days regarding the status of groundwater and surface water in the country. He explained that certain crops or industries require significant water, but the priority is domestic consumption, allocating the remaining water for agriculture and industrial development through careful planning. He noted that this challenge is most prominent in the northern region, as 70% of the country’s water is situated in the southeast. He concluded by mentioning that water and agricultural authorities are collaborating to present a map depicting water scarcity and stress.

• Water in San Luis Potosi: President Lopez Obrador mentioned the review of a water concession granted to a company supplying a golf course in the capital through CONAGUA. He also noted collaborative efforts with the Director General of CONAGUA to enhance water supply in coordination with the state government. The President reiterated his administration’s progress in concluding various water infrastructure projects, like “Cuchillo II,” to provide water to Nuevo Leon.

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

Private Sector

• Tax evasion: A reporter questioned the use of civil associations and foundations for corporate consolidation and tax collection, citing concerns about their misuse. President Lopez Obrador acknowledged that this was a past practice, no longer allowed in his administration. He highlighted legal adjustments to prevent tax forgiveness, reiterated his commitment to no tax increases or fiscal reform, and mentioned efforts to combat false invoicing and tax fraud. The President emphasized successful budgetary revenues, timely VAT refunds, and increased tax collection, with a 6.0% real increase compared to the previous year. He assured ongoing efforts to address these issues and review the situation.

• Food industry: A reporter raised concerns about a study indicating misleading labeling and poor quality in certain products. The reporter suggested featuring this information during presidential press conferences to inform the public. President Lopez Obrador agreed and proposed sharing such findings on Mondays with the head of PROFECO to expose harmful and deceptive products, including those with excessive air content or unhealthy ingredients. The President emphasized the importance of informing consumers about the health effects of items like chips, soft drinks, and bottled water.

Health

• IMSS: In response to a direct question about companies accused of monopolistic practices in the Mexican Social Security Institute’s (IMSS) tenders for comprehensive anesthesia services, the president revealed that Zoe Robledo is already addressing this matter. He mentioned that next Tuesday, a report will be presented to explain the situation concerning companies that have been penalized and then change their focus or reconstitute themselves to participate in tenders again at high prices. He assured that the issue is already being addressed, including specific cases.