AMLO's Morning Conference Unveils Promising Initiatives and Calls Out Critics

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) kicked off his morning conference today with a series of announcements and fiery remarks that left the nation both intrigued and engaged. From pension increases to surveillance of priority works, AMLO covered a range of topics, all while adopting his characteristic no-nonsense style.

The President wasted no time in sharing the uplifting news that the pension for senior citizens would receive a significant boost of 25% starting in January 2024. This increase, aimed at improving the quality of life for the elderly, showcases AMLO's commitment to the welfare of all citizens.

Moving on to other pressing matters, AMLO provided updates on his recent visits to Coatzacoalcos and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, where he oversaw the construction of various crucial infrastructure projects. These included the rehabilitation of the refinery, the new coker, and the modernization of the port of Salina Cruz, all representing a remarkable investment of over 100 billion pesos. Furthermore, he revealed plans to launch the bidding process for the construction of 10 industrial parks in the Isthmus corridor within the next 15 days.

The President also touched upon the topic of education, specifically the ongoing reform of the free textbooks program. He criticized the conservatives who have opposed the reform, referring to their resistance as "making it rain injunctions." AMLO emphasized the importance of reforming the contents of the textbooks to promote a scientific and humanist perspective, offering apologies for any inconveniences caused during the transition.

Not one to shy away from confronting the media, AMLO took a moment to criticize journalist Carmen Aristegui's recent speech after receiving an award. He questioned her one-sided approach to reporting and the absence of an opportunity for a counterargument, reminding the audience that the media had previously played a role in imposing a President on Mexico. He also warned of impending noise in the media due to the upcoming elections in the State of Mexico and Coahuila, accusing certain media figures of protecting classism and corruption.

The President made a significant statement regarding the ongoing battles between his administration and the Judicial Power. He argued that the constant legal challenges against his government's projects, such as the Mayan Train, could be seen as a technical coup d'état. AMLO firmly defended his administration's right to carry out projects for the benefit of the people, highlighting the need to break away from the country's previous state of decadence.

Tragedy struck two months ago in Ciudad Juarez when a fire in a migrant center claimed the lives of 40 people. AMLO assured the public that the investigation was ongoing and individuals responsible were being prosecuted. He expressed his desire to make the video footage of the incident public, while also raising questions about the National Institute of Access to Information and Data Protection (INAI) and its handling of sensitive information in the past.

Discussing his finances, the President revealed that he receives a Welfare card as a senior citizen, emphasizing that this support is universal and not exclusive to him. He denounced the attempts by neoliberal policies to erode the Welfare State and underscored the importance of providing support and dignity to the elderly population.

Commenting on recent demonstrations in support of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN), AMLO acknowledged the right to protest while cautioning against provocative attitudes and violence. He criticized the salary discrepancies within the highest court and questioned the need for hiring more personnel associated with García Luna, a figure from the previous administration embroiled in scandal.

Throughout the conference, AMLO reiterated his commitment to a better society and social justice. He argued against coercive measures in favor of addressing the underlying causes of insecurity and violence. AMLO firmly stated that his administration's approach focused on fighting corruption, ensuring public safety, and promoting humanism. He vehemently opposed authoritarian actions, stating that evil could not be confronted with more evil.

The President also highlighted the progress being made in archaeological salvage along the route of the Mayan Train. Diego Prieto, the head of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), reported that significant artifacts and human burials had been recovered during the excavation works. This preservation of Mexico's rich cultural heritage underscored AMLO's commitment to sustainable development and respect for the country's history.

Moving on to infrastructure updates, AMLO provided insights into the progress of Section 2 of the Mayan Train, which runs from Escárcega to Calkini. The construction of the Campeche railroad beltway was reported to be over 80% complete, generating thousands of jobs in the area. The inauguration of the first train was scheduled for December, marking a remarkable achievement in record time. The use of cutting-edge technology and three-dimensional modeling further exemplified the ambitious nature of the project.

Addressing the concerns of consumers, Ricardo Sheffield, the head of the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco), shared the latest fuel and basic food basket prices. Regular gasoline averaged 22.26 pesos per liter, while premium gasoline and diesel averaged 24.39 pesos and 23.66 pesos per liter, respectively. Sheffield assured the public that prices of the 24 products in the basic food basket had stabilized, with a downward trend observed in recent weeks.

As the morning conference drew to a close, AMLO reiterated his commitment to social justice and the pursuit of a better society. His emphasis on addressing the root causes of societal issues, fighting corruption, and promoting humanism resonated with his supporters. The conference showcased AMLO's determined approach to governance, while simultaneously sparking lively debates across the nation.