AMLO Highlights Ongoing Projects to Improve Water Conditions

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) kicked off his morning conference with a blend of determination and criticism. With a cup of coffee in hand, the President assured the public that all the changes promised during his administration will be completed, dismissing fears that some improvements may be left unfinished.

"Everything we promised to do will be completed," exclaimed AMLO, exuding confidence in the continuity of his transformational agenda. He firmly stated, "There is no going back; it will be very difficult to go backward. The conservatives will not be able to go backward. No, these people have already become very aware; they are going forward."

Addressing the Exportadora de Sal, the President mentioned that the company would be evaluated, and he plans to visit the region where it is located. However, he emphasized that priority works and surveillance of other regions would take precedence before the visit. He dismissed claims of a crisis at the salt mine, asserting that extractive activities do not entail paying rent to nature.

To tackle drug trafficking issues, AMLO proposed cooperation with other countries to intercept containers carrying chemical substances and drugs leaving Mexico. He expressed the need for strengthened laboratories to study different chemical precursors, pointing out that drugs have even been discovered concealed in tequila bottles. While maintaining good diplomatic relations, the President emphasized that Mexico will conduct its investigations into chemical substances and not act as a protectorate.

The Ayotzinapa case, which has faced numerous obstacles, remains under investigation, said the President, adding, "We even grow; the more they beat me, the more dignified I feel." Referring to the exoneration of the ex-mayor of Iguala, José Luis Abarca, he blamed the state as the main violator of human rights in Mexico.

AMLO criticized the judicial power in Mexico, claiming it remained largely intact and served the neoliberal policy imposed over the past 36 years. He acknowledged honorable exceptions but stated that the judicial power primarily served the interests of the oligarchy.

In his trademark style, the President showed a video featuring Republican Senator Lindsey Olin Graham celebrating the increase in armament expenditures authorized by the United States. AMLO sternly stated, "No to manipulation. We cannot admit to being insulted."

Focusing on the fentanyl issue, AMLO clarified that Mexico does not produce the raw material but expressed support for the fight against drug trafficking. He stressed the need to address the causes of addiction and called for strengthening cultural, moral, and spiritual values rather than relying solely on coercive measures.

The President criticized media outlets that manipulate information, citing the example of how US networks have portrayed migrants as synonymous with drug traffickers. He warned against such misrepresentation and urged the population to be critical of the narratives presented by the media.

In a show of determination, AMLO emphasized that Mexico will not allow the state to collaborate with drug trafficking organizations. He also announced a new meeting with US authorities in Canada to ensure a clear distinction between authority and crime.

Highlighting his fruitful meeting with Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, National Security Advisor of the White House, AMLO mentioned progress on immigration and fentanyl trafficking issues. He disclosed that the US government had opened a channel for Central American migrants to apply for work visas, aiming to deter illegal immigration. The President also praised China's positive attitude toward collaboration in preventing the trafficking of chemical precursors for fentanyl production.

Continuing with the morning conference, President López Obrador discussed several ongoing infrastructure projects across Mexico. He mentioned the El Zapotillo Dam in Jalisco, which had been left unfinished by previous administrations. Despite the need for additional investment of over 7 billion pesos to adapt the work, the President affirmed that construction would resume without losing the investment made so far. The dam's completion will include the construction of spillway windows and aqueducts to provide water to the vulnerable areas of the Guadalajara metropolitan area.

Another project that was highlighted was the Alejandro Rascón Mercado Irrigation District, which had also remained unfinished during previous administrations. With an investment of more than 10 billion pesos, the project is set to improve water conditions in Ruiz, Tuxpan, Santiago Ixcuintla, and Rosa Morada in the state of Nayarit. Notably, the construction relies solely on gravity, eliminating the need for pumps.

The Santa María Dam, which controls the Baluarte River, was mentioned as a project that is 88% complete and expected to be finalized by December. This project, besides generating hydroelectric power, will supply water to an irrigation area spanning over 24,250 hectares in 11 zones. Additionally, it will provide drinking water to two municipalities.

The President stressed that the current administration is prioritizing 15 water projects with a total investment of 93,550 million pesos. These projects aim to benefit more than 21 million inhabitants and producers throughout the country. Among them, the Yaqui Justice Plan includes an aqueduct and an irrigation district to expand the surface available for indigenous communities' agricultural production.

Shifting the focus to World No Tobacco Day, Undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion, Hugo López-Gatell Ramírez, joined the conference. He expressed concern about the tobacco industry disguising its intentions by transitioning from traditional combustion products to equally harmful, but more sophisticated alternatives. López-Gatell emphasized that smoking is a chronic disease that can cause permanent damage and reminded the public that 12.8% of Mexico's population still smokes. He called for preventing the normalization of tobacco consumption among new generations.

As the conference continued, Ana Elizabeth García Vilchis, spokesperson for the section "Who's Who" in the Lies of the Week, debunked several false claims made by media outlets. She refuted allegations by Reforma newspaper that the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) had awarded three power plants directly. She clarified that the 2022 annual report provides transparency regarding awarding processes and project information. García Vilchis also dismissed reports about loans and support provided by the Banco del Bienestar, cautioning the public against potential extortion attempts.

The President's remarks on a possible technical coup d'état by the Judicial Power were misrepresented by some media outlets, Garcia Vilchis pointed out. She clarified that López Obrador was merely highlighting the power's historical alignment with neoliberal policies. Lastly, she highlighted an Infodemia video that criticized media outlets for glorifying violence in their coverage of recent demonstrations outside the Supreme Court of Justice.

President López Obrador's morning conference provided a blend of determination, criticism of media manipulation, updates on infrastructure projects, and calls for collaboration on critical issues such as drug trafficking and tobacco consumption. As the conference concluded, the President assured the public that his administration would continue working towards fulfilling the promised transformations for the betterment of the Mexican people.