AMLO Urges Review of Assange's Trial, Calls for Justice

Mexico City, May 24, 2023 - During his morning conference today, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) called for the trial of Julian Assange to be reviewed. The Mexican leader expressed his concern over the prolonged case and the need for justice to prevail.

"It has already been a long time, and this case is not being attended to properly, but that's essentially it," stated the President, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. AMLO also voiced his belief that if a consultation were to take place in the United States regarding Assange, the people would stand in favor of his freedom.

Criticism of García Luna

President López Obrador didn't shy away from criticizing the criminal structure established by Genaro García Luna, who served as Secretary of Public Security during the administration of former President Felipe Calderón. In his characteristically humorous manner, AMLO quipped, "Now it turns out that García Luna is a Martian, a being from nowhere, with no relationships to either the Mexican president at the time or the officials from U.S. agencies."

Shift in Mexico-U.S. Cooperation

Shifting gears to Mexico-U.S. cooperation, the President emphasized the changing times and the shift away from the traditional "blessed words" uttered by the U.S. government. He shared an anecdote about editors from the Los Angeles Times, who bypassed the usual sensationalist experts and instead engaged with the people of Mexico to understand their perspectives—a move that President López Obrador commended.

Addressing the issue of fentanyl, the President highlighted the importation of precursor chemicals from Asia to Canada and Mexico, and their subsequent transport to U.S. territory, emphasizing that Mexico does not produce the raw materials.

Migration Matters and Politics

Regarding the migratory phenomenon, President López Obrador stressed his administration's commitment to addressing its root causes. He refuted claims that the number of returning migrants at the northern border had reached alarming levels and stated that the migratory phenomenon is often manipulated for political purposes in the United States, citing measures implemented against the migrant population in Florida as an example.

Private Debt and Citibanamex

In a critical tone, the President denounced past administrations that converted private debt into public debt, expressing his opposition to such practices. López Obrador also revealed that negotiations with Grupo Mexico for the purchase of Citibanamex had been suspended. However, he reiterated the government's interest in acquiring a bank, stating, "We do need a bank."

The President clarified that the ongoing negotiations with Grupo Mexico revolve around the restructuring of the concession, emphasizing that it does not involve a monetary transaction of 9.5 billion dollars. In a broader context, López Obrador pledged that his administration would not grant concessions or contracts for national assets.

Rescuing National Assets

Elaborating on the rescue of national assets, President López Obrador explained how the nation can grant concessions and contracts through the state. He highlighted previous modifications to the Constitution that allowed for the privatization of the electric sector, noting that his administration had increased the market share of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) from 38% to 55%.

Additionally, the President mentioned ongoing negotiations with Grupo Mexico to establish a passage over their tracks. This negotiation aims to secure a concession section for the Mayan Train circuit and other important train routes in the region.

Popocatépetl Volcano and Security

Turning attention to public safety, the President assured the public that the Popocatépetl volcano remains under constant surveillance. He highlighted efforts to keep nearby inhabitants safe and mentioned the ongoing monitoring and assistance provided by the Sedena brigades in cleaning ashes, preparing evacuation routes, and setting up shelters.

Homicides and Left-Wing Governments

President López Obrador also addressed the issue of homicides in Mexico, presenting a graph illustrating the number of homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in each state. Guanajuato topped the list, emphasizing the government's commitment to prioritizing security and holding daily security meetings.

In a thought-provoking segment, the President delved into the difficulties faced by left-wing governments in taking action. He shared a map that highlighted the events surrounding the departure of Bolivia's former President Evo Morales and criticized the decisions made in Ecuador and Brazil that allowed or restricted airspace usage, respectively. He posed the question, "Who rules in those countries, do the people rule?"

Rejecting accusations of fascism in his government, López Obrador acknowledged the transformative power of Mexico's independence movement and the Mexican Revolution. He emphasized that these historical events set Mexico apart, as slavery was abolished simultaneously with the struggle for independence—an achievement unparalleled worldwide.

Critics and Media Misinformation

Branding the critics of El Universal's polls as a "minority" and "elite," President López Obrador proudly asserted that the people are happy and support his administration's transformative efforts. He dismissed the notion that his government embraces fascism and celebrated the empowerment of the Mexican people through historical movements.

During the conference, Ana Elizabeth García Vilchis, spokesperson for 'Who's Who in the Lies of the Week,' highlighted instances of media misinformation. She refuted claims that the Mayan Train had derailed, pointing out that the video circulating on social media showed a different railroad. García Vilchis also accused journalist Jorge Berry of spreading false information about the opening of Mexico's southern border and the delivery of IDs to migrants.

The spokesperson further addressed other erroneous reports, including the alleged burning of the Mexican flag at the Peruvian embassy. She clarified that the video used as evidence was from a protocol act in 2020, not a recent event. Additionally, García Vilchis mentioned the controversy surrounding messages sent by the president of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN), Norma Piña, to Senator Alejandro Armenta. Although initially dismissed as false, the minister later admitted to sending the messages.

Information Manipulation and Election

President López Obrador expressed concerns about the dissemination of dangerous and manipulated information during election periods. He urged citizens to be vigilant and discerning when consuming news and emphasized the importance of paying attention to information channels, particularly with upcoming elections in the State of Mexico.

The morning conference led by President López Obrador covered a diverse range of topics, from international cooperation and migration issues to national debt and the rescue of national assets. With his trademark humor and direct approach, the President engaged with the audience, providing insight into his administration's priorities and dispelling misinformation circulating in the media.