The Army's Name Game Blooper at Revolution Anniversary

In a surprising turn of events in Argentina, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador couldn't resist taking a shot at Javier Milei's victory in the presidential elections. Calling it an “own goal,” the president expressed respect for the decision made by the majority but couldn't help hinting that he thinks it might not end well for the Argentinian people.

Milei's win, with an impressive almost 56 percent of the votes, was nothing short of a political earthquake. The libertarian candidate dominated the overall vote and conquered the densely populated provinces of Córdoba and Mendoza, securing over 70 percent of the votes there. As if that wasn't enough, Milei has already declared his intention to shake things up further by privatizing state-owned giants like Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales (YPF) and Public Television and Radio. Buckle up, Argentina—it's going to be an interesting ride.

Meanwhile, back in Mexico, President López Obrador seems to be laying down new tracks, quite literally. In a 'mañanera' move, he published a decree designating passenger train service as a national development priority. This isn't your regular train ride, though. Current cargo concessionaires have until January 15 to submit proposals for seven new routes. And if they can't agree, the armed forces or other private firms might just take control. Talk about a high-stakes railway gamble.

The proposed routes read like a travel enthusiast's dream itinerary—Mexico to Veracruz to Coatzacoalcos, AIFA to Pachuca, Mexico to Querétaro to Leon to Aguascalientes, and more. It's a bold move that could reshape the Mexican transportation landscape, with a preference for public passenger railroad service taking center stage.

In a political soap opera twist, the Partido de la Revolución Democrática (PRD) is teaming up with old foes. Despite initially planning to go solo for federal candidacies in 2024, the PRD has joined forces with the Partido Acción Nacional (PAN) and the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI) to form the 'Fuerza y Corazón por México' coalition. It's a move that keeps the political plot thickening, complete with reversals and unexpected alliances.

Switching gears to a more somber note, the Attorney General's Office of the State of Morelos reports a clash of epic proportions. An armed confrontation between the Secretariat of Protection and Citizen Assistance of Cuernavaca and a civilian group in the neighborhoods of San Anton, Altavista, and Bellavista resulted in nine casualties and four injuries. The fallout includes seized weaponry, trucks, bulletproof vests, and a grim reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement.

In a rather awkward moment during the 113th Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution, the Army stumbled over its feet. For the first time, Colonel trans Amelio Robles wasn't recognized by his chosen name during the ceremony. The Secretary of National Defense mistakenly referred to him by his pre-transition name. Nevertheless, a thematic carriage honoring women precursors of the Revolution did acknowledge Colonel Amelio Robles, emphasizing the importance of respecting gender identities in historical recognition.

Ending on a positive note, Mexico's agricultural and agro-industrial trade is thriving. The country boasts a surplus of $6.094 billion from January to September this year, marking a substantial 20.48 percent growth compared to the same period last year. It seems the agricultural sector is steering the economic ship in the right direction, adding a touch of green to the diverse palette of Mexico's current affairs.

Whether it's political twists, railway dramas, or economic upswings, the rollercoaster of current affairs in Mexico and Argentina is showing no signs of slowing down.