AMLO Tackles Justice, Drugs, and Trump in Morning Conference
Mexico's AMLO whips up progress report: judges exposed, drugs seized, healthcare reform steams ahead. He slams media critics, touts achievements, and promises a judicial shakeup via public vote.
The National Palace coffee machine was bubbling hot on this Tuesday morning, dispensing more than just caffeine. President López Obrador, affectionately known as AMLO, served up a potent blend of updates, pronouncements, and, of course, a dash of his signature fiery rhetoric.
From Zero Impunity to Heroin Hits: The morning began with a splash of justice, with authorities exposing judges allegedly favoring criminals in the Ayotzinapa case. This was followed by a security report showcasing the seizure of kilos of narcotics and the ongoing hunt for eight Colombian women. The air crackled with a sense of progress, even as the hunt for the perpetrators behind the tragic disappearance of community leaders in Colima remained a grim reminder of ongoing challenges.
Good Neighborly Barbs: AMLO, ever the pragmatist, dismissed Donald Trump's blustery threats about closing the border as mere campaign theatrics. He reaffirmed the importance of good relations with the US, reminding everyone that “the only problem we had with President Trump was regarding the unilateral management of the border.”
COVID-19 Conundrum: Debunking media reports, AMLO assured the nation that hospital beds weren't overflowing with COVID-19 patients. He proudly touted the success of the vaccination campaign, boasting that “all older adults were vaccinated in five months.” His message was clear: vaccines are readily available, and the “Patria” vaccine, a Mexican-made pride, is soon to join the fray.
Megapharmacy Mix-up: AMLO's fiery side flared when discussing the Megapharmacy project, a government initiative aimed at providing free healthcare to underserved regions. He accused certain media outlets, previously accustomed to “juicy profits” in the healthcare sector, of orchestrating a smear campaign against the project. He brandished a list of media outlets allegedly receiving hefty “promotion” payments from the government in previous administrations, calling their criticism “biased journalism based on the defense of economic interests.”
Issste Intervention: The President delved into the rescue of the Issste, a social security agency plagued by corruption and privatization under previous administrations. He highlighted the construction of new hospitals and the ongoing efforts to reacquire privatized facilities. Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez emphasized the shift towards ensuring complete medical prescriptions for beneficiaries, replacing the “shell” that the Issste once was.
Train Tracks and Judicial Twists: AMLO envisions a future crisscrossed by safe, economical, and eco-friendly passenger trains. He plans to leave behind the “general guidelines” for this ambitious project, allowing the next administration to pick up the baton. On the legal front, he promised to present constitutional reform initiatives on February 5th, aimed at cleaning up the judiciary through popular elections of judges. He passionately argued that “democracy is not the panacea, but it is the best that exists,” emphasizing the power of the people to choose their own legal guardians.
As the morning conference concluded, the air buzzed with a mix of hope, progress, and the ever-present undercurrent of AMLO's combative spirit. One thing was clear: Mexico's political landscape is anything but dull, and the next few months promise to be a rollercoaster ride of reforms, revelations, and, of course, presidential punchlines.
