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

August 9-15, 2023

Political Agenda

• Judicial Power: The president responded to a reporter’s concerns about the right-wing’s alleged manipulation of the judicial system to undermine the government and its reforms. He argued that the judicial power isn’t aiming to defy public will, attributing their discontent to growing corruption accusations within the government’s ranks. He also highlighted the need for a judicial overhaul, starting with impartial judge appointments, favoring selection by the people rather than political or business influences. He gave the example of a governor’s attempt to block textbook distribution, stressing the Supreme Court’s role in this matter. He asserted that states opposing distribution defy the constitution due to conservative motivations. The president criticized the PAN party for opposing public education consistently and labeled them as anti-reform. He acknowledged citizens’ democratic right to choose the PAN but questioned their stance given available information.

• Development: The president responded to a reporter’s query about the potential economic impact of the Mayan Train and Corredor Interoceanico projects. He stated that these endeavors will boost Mexico’s economic growth. He highlighted the U.S. government’s willingness to invest in Mexico for enhanced North American economic integration and reduced reliance on Asia. He stressed his aspiration for broader efforts that encompass the entire American continent, not just North America. He revealed plans to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden in November to emphasize the need for a comprehensive development plan across the continent, aiming to make the region a global powerhouse.

• Latin America Tour: Regarding the upcoming visit to Colombia, the president highlighted that the key agenda item will be addressing cooperation in drug-related issues. He emphasized the importance of addressing root causes to reduce violence, particularly through focusing on youth to prevent their involvement in antisocial behaviors.

• Security: In response to a comment from the President of El Salvador about differing security strategies, the Mexican President highlighted distinct perspectives and emphasized addressing root causes for lasting peace. He refrained from entering a dispute with President Bukele. He mentioned that the “war on drugs” worsened insecurity in the past and led to criminal groups. He noted a 17% reduction in homicides during his

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

administration. He also criticized past U.S. interference, citing the downgrade of Mexico’s airport security rating under Calderon’s presidency.

• Frente Amplio por Mexico: In response to a question about Enrique de la Madrid’s criticisms of the federal government during a recent forum, the President acknowledged that while he does believe De la Madrid made inappropriate and immoral decisions, he refrained from commenting further. He considered such statements normal during campaigns and mentioned that the Electoral Tribunal has a “blacklist” for this reason. He criticized media for distorting his comments made during press conferences.

• Elections 2023: The president stated that he will refrain from discussing Xochitl Galvez’s progress in the 2024 polls. He asserted that El Financiero newspaper is connected to powerful groups. The president claimed that both the Electoral Tribunal and the National Electoral Institute (INE) distorted his comments aimed at Xochitl Galvez, manipulating information to label his stance as gender-based political violence. Additionally, the president mentioned a group of lawyers associated with Claudio X Gonzalez, who lodged a complaint to prevent him from mentioning C. Xochitl Galvez. The president read a letter addressed to the judge who ordered him to cease the alleged “malicious” expressions against the senator, accusing the judge of protecting criminals. The president cited various instances including a suspension granted to Joaquin Guzman Loera to avoid extradition to the USA, modifying the National Vaccination Plan during the pandemic, allowing tobacco companies to prioritize profits over public health, and reversing the ban on including child-oriented characters in high-calorie products. The president announced his intention to accuse the judge before the Federal Judicial Council (CJF) for investigation.

Infrastructure

• Mayan Train: Updates on the Mayan Train project were provided, highlighting progress and job creation. The Environmental Ministry reported successes in protecting natural areas and addressing environmental concerns. The Mayan Train is anticipated to enhance tourism and economies in Chiapas and Tabasco. The project also links to other rail routes like the Interoceanic Corridor. Tabasco is becoming a logistics center with investments from major companies and tax incentives for border municipalities, fostering international trade.

• Reconstruction projects: Edna Elena Vega Rangel, Subsecretary of Territorial and Agrarian Planning, provided updates on the progress of the National Reconstruction Program. Since 2019, a total of

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

mentioned the total hydraulic infrastructure investment of 93.55 billion pesos.

68,224 actions have been implemented in this area. Furthermore, she stated that in 2023, the final year of the Program, 3,222 actions will be carried out. Similarly, Alejandra Frausto Guerrero, Secretary of Culture, reported on advances in the reconstruction of cultural heritage, highlighting a 73% completion rate. She mentioned plans to address 926 projects in this field during the current year.

• Water: The president addressed the need for budget allocation to address dam repairs and water-related issues. He emphasized that previous administrations had neglected these areas, leading to a backlog. His government is now prioritizing water projects and investing significantly in them. He mentioned completed and ongoing projects, including the “Presa Pilares” in Sonora and the Mazatlan aqueduct. He highlighted the importance of planning, in contrast to past administrations. He stressed the need for companies to establish themselves where water resources are available. He also announced the completion date of the La Libertad dam in Nuevo Leon and

• Jose Angel Gurria: A reporter pointed out Jose Angel Gurria’s involvement with Grupo Xcaret and how their interests seem to be affected by the current government. The reporter also mentioned that Gurria’s wife, Lulu Quintana, is related to one of the shareholders of Grupo Xcaret. In response, the president mentioned his role as Secretary of Hacienda when the FOBAPROA was approved and claimed that Gurria is currently working on the conservative group’s project. He emphasized that the Mayan Train is facing criticism from various “pseudo-environmentalist” groups. He noted that mineral extraction permits had been issued in the past for road construction in the U.S., which has caused dissatisfaction among these groups due to the government’s decisions.

• National airline: The Mexican government, through coordination among various ministries and worker associations, has resolved a long-standing issue regarding Mexicana de Aviacion. This achievement is recognized as a victory for over 7,000 aviation workers. The negotiations, mediated by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, led to a consensus and formal confirmation of the purchase of the Mexicana de Aviacion brand. Plans were outlined for improved connectivity and coverage across the country, with the Felipe Angeles International Airport serving as the base. The acquisition of 10 new-generation Boeing planes is underway, and ticket sales are expected to start soon. The President was symbolically named the “first new pilot” of Mexicana de Aviacion by the Mexican Association of Airline Pilots. This marks a positive step forward after previous administrations’ lack of support for the airline industry.

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

• National infrastructure projects: The president discussed the purchase of Mexicana de Aviacion and highlighted a shift from previous administrations’ practices of selling public assets to private entities. He contrasted this with his administration’s approach, emphasizing that their projects have been funded with public money and are national assets. He pointed out examples of past administrations privatizing banks, mines, airports, and railways, whereas his government has undertaken transparent public projects like the Dos Bocas and Deer Park Refineries, Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA), Tulum International Airport, and the Maya Train. The president also explained that keeping airport infrastructure in public hands helps maintain competitive pricing. He further stated that AIFA charges only half the Airport Usage Fee (TUA) compared to the previous Texcoco airport project. He concluded by expressing confidence in the future profitability and self-sustainability of the Maya Train, AIFA, and the new Mexican Aviation Airline, all of which are government-owned ventures contributing to Mexico’s advancement.

Economy

• Economic situation: In a presentation based on a survey by Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) about 2022 income and expenses, the Mexican president highlighted that five million people were lifted out of poverty. He emphasized his administration’s focus on aiding the most vulnerable to achieve overall well-being, contrasting it with past “neoliberal” policies that favored the wealthy. Despite business recommendations to revert to previous economic systems during the COVID-19 pandemic, the president chose to support vulnerable sectors for essential consumption. He praised the role of remittances and infrastructure investment in minimizing the crisis impact and boosting a 3% economic growth. The president also underscored the concept of “moral economy” in reducing poverty and inequality. He mentioned decreased internal migration due to poverty reduction in southern states and touted the lowest unemployment rate in decades. He plans to pass on leadership but will continue advising on sustaining the Fourth Transformation Movement, emphasizing investments in railroads, energy, renewables, and economic plans for various regions.

• Inflation: The president announced a decrease in inflation, from 5.06% in June to 4.79% in July. He emphasized that during the neoliberal era, myths persisted about the impossibility of raising wages due to their potential impact on inflation. However, his government has demonstrated the opposite.

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

International

• Migration: The president mentioned sending a letter to President Biden, acknowledging his creation of a legal pathway for migrants that didn’t exist before. He also highlighted Biden as the first U.S. president in decades not to build a wall. A positive understanding has been reached with the U.S. government, he stated. He stressed the need for a plan to combat poverty in Latin America, as migration stems from necessity. He argued that economically advantaged countries have an “obligation” to assist poorer nations.

Health

• Inequality: The president affirmed that despite the pandemic and economic crisis, 5 million people have exited poverty, which hasn’t occurred in 40 years. He criticized the previous regime’s privatization approach, where the proceeds from asset sales were supposed to combat poverty. However, only ports, banks, railways, the electric industry, etc., were sold. Instead of reducing poverty, those decades saw increased inequality.

• Poverty reduction: The President celebrated the improved incomes of Mexican families, especially for the poor, as a sign that his strategy to prioritize them has been successful. He highlighted that both INEGI and CONEVAL reported a significant reduction in poverty, with the wage gap also decreasing. He addressed a decrease in healthcare access, attributing it to wording in the questions and changes in the social security system. He reiterated his commitment to building a world-class healthcare system. Additionally, he mentioned improvements in access to nutritious food, along with increased food security indicators.

• Health programs: Zoe Robledo, Director General of IMSS, shared progress on IMSS Bienestar 2023. Twenty-two states have joined the new healthcare system, with sixteen already operational. Dr. Hugo Lopez Gatell discussed efforts to create addiction-free communities through recreational activities. He highlighted a report indicating limited participation in such activities and emphasized the importance of the “Semilleros creativos” program led by the Ministry of Culture.