Adolfo Ruiz Cortines - El Jugador de Dominó (Biografía).

Political Mechanisms in Mexico

Introduction to Political Dynamics

• The Mexican political system has developed admirable mechanisms for preservation and adjustment, akin to a pendulum law.

• Notable presidents like Cardenas and Avila Camacho exemplify contrasting leadership styles, with Cardenas being tempestuous and Avila Camacho more reserved.

Early Life of Adolfo Ruiz Cortines

• Adolfo Ruiz Cortines had a significant biography marked by pivotal youth experiences that shaped his future. He was born in December 1881.

• His early education took place at the Amiga School and the Veracruz Institute under the guidance of his maternal uncle, who played a fatherly role.

Political Context During Miguel Alemán's Regime

• Young university politicians during Miguel Alemán's presidency indulged excessively in revolutionary spoils, while Ruiz Cortines silently disapproved of their actions.

• His strategy involved waiting patiently for unexpected changes in the political landscape, which eventually occurred.

Rise to Presidency

• On December 1, 1952, Ruiz Cortines was declared constitutional president of Mexico after Guillermo Corse en Luna placed the presidential sash on him. This marked a significant moment after over 40 years since his youthful days in Veracruz.

Personal Background and Early Career

• Forced to work young due to family obligations, Ruiz Cortines left school early but learned bookkeeping skills that would serve him throughout his life in public administration.

• At age 15, he began working as an assistant accountant for merchant Julián Aragón, showcasing talent in accounting that defined much of his career despite also enjoying social activities like dancing and baseball.

Social Life and Revolutionary Impact

• Despite being engaged socially as a young man known for his charm and style, he faced the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution which influenced many around him to seek adventure elsewhere.

• Between 1912 and 1915, details about Ruiz Cortines' life become unclear; some claim he moved to Mexico City amidst revolutionary turmoil while others suggest he remained in Veracruz working under American forces during their invasion.

Military Involvement

• By 1915, following Carranza's establishment of government control over Veracruz, Ruiz Cortines joined constitutionalist forces led by General Jacinto de Trevino against Villa’s troops at Elevano while maintaining an administrative role rather than combat duties.

The Life and Political Journey of Adolfo Ruiz Cortines

Early Glory and the National Treasure

• In May 1920, Dombenustiano Carranza's train carrying 150 million pesos in national treasure was halted due to a cut railway line, leading him towards his demise.

• Young Major Ruiz Cortines took charge of escorting the national treasure back to Mexico City, marking a significant moment in his life as he would later present it to interim President Don Adolfo de la Huerta.

Career Development and Administrative Focus

• Ruiz Cortines' accounting and administrative skills led him to oversee public funds throughout his political career, including roles under General Trevino as Minister of Industry and Commerce.

• He transitioned from legislative duties to the National Statistics Department, where he remained until 1935, emphasizing statistical data on transportation infrastructure in Mexico.

Advocacy for Population Density Management

• In the early 1930s, Ruiz Cortines gained recognition at a national migration convention and published technical articles proposing ideas that were ahead of their time.

• He argued for managing population density in cities while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for residents, suggesting that increasing population without corresponding production factors could lead to social unrest.

Personal Challenges and Political Awakening

• The year 1935 was pivotal; Ruiz Cortines faced personal losses with the death of family members while initiating divorce proceedings after two decades of marriage. This period also marked the start of his formal political career at age 45.

• His role as Chief Official in the Federal District Department allowed him to interact with various political figures across the spectrum, enhancing his political acumen.

Key Relationships and Political Alliances

• At the Federal District Department, he formed a friendship with Miguel Alemán, who had a significant influence on his political trajectory.

• In 1936, despite losing gubernatorial elections to Manlio Fabio Altamirano (who was later assassinated), Ruiz Cortines established an important alliance with Alemán that would shape future politics.

Controversies and Campaign Management

• In 1937, Alemán supported Ruiz Cortines’ candidacy for Deputy Portúxita amidst opposition from rival factions within politics.

The Austerity and Governance of Don Adolfo Ruiz Cortines

Characterization of Don Adolfo Ruiz Cortines

• Don Adolfo is known for his frugality, exemplified by a story where he avoids paying for a meal, highlighting his carefulness with money.

• He gained a reputation as a "cuentachiles" (penny-pincher) during the political campaign of Ávila Camacho, later becoming the governor of Veracruz in April 1944.

Political Landscape and Administration

• His governance was marked by an effective administration amidst divided political factions in Veracruz, including various groups like jarristas and alemanistas.

• Ávila Camacho appointed Jaime Torres-Bodet to oversee Ruiz Cortines' inauguration, noting his unusual traits for that era.

Governance Style and Initiatives

• As governor, he maintained a discreet yet efficient administration while forming a cabinet composed mainly of locals from Veracruz.

• He initiated community improvement boards encouraging citizen cooperation for urgent local projects, matching government funding with public contributions.

Impact of Community Boards

• These moral improvement boards thrived under his leadership and were instrumental in enhancing local conditions; they became models he wished to replicate nationwide when he became president.

Personal Traits and Public Perception

• Ruiz Cortines’ integrity stood out in an environment rife with corruption; his simplicity and honesty were notable against the backdrop of political excesses during Miguel Alemán's presidency.

• His meticulous appearance—always well-dressed—reflected his commitment to maintaining decorum in politics.

Formality and Communication Style

• He was known for being exceptionally cleanly dressed, even using specific techniques to avoid physical contact that could compromise this cleanliness.

• Ruiz Cortines had a strong command over language; he corrected linguistic errors among peers while balancing formal speech with regional vernacular.

Superstitions and Formal Conduct

• Despite not being superstitious himself, he acknowledged common beliefs about salt transmission during interactions, showcasing his awareness of cultural nuances.

Historical Context of Don Adolfo Ruiz Cortínez

Influence and Family Dynamics

• Don Adolfo Ruiz Carrillo, nicknamed "the hen," was seen as a political influence by various groups seeking to leverage his family connections, particularly due to his son’s future presidency.

• The request for Don Adolfo to withdraw from certain situations deeply affected him, especially after the death of his son in the early 1960s, highlighting the emotional toll on him during his presidency.

Personal Life and Relationships

• Upon graduating, Don Adolfo gifted a car to someone close to him, indicating a personal connection and support system that extended beyond politics.

• His second marriage to María Saguirre in 1941 brought benefits both personally and politically; she helped project a family image amidst rumors about transparency in their activities.

Communication and Trust Issues

• There were indications of poor communication between Don Adolfo and María regarding her actions without his authorization, suggesting underlying tensions in their relationship.

• Descriptions of María depict her as dignified and well-presented, reflecting societal expectations of public figures' spouses during that era.

Political Acumen

• Ruiz Cortínez's home life was marked by simplicity despite political stature; he lived modestly with his wife without excessive security or ostentation.

• During public events, there was an awareness among politicians about how they were perceived by the public; strategies were employed to avoid negative reactions from crowds.

Leadership Qualities

• Ruiz Cortínez had an exceptional understanding of human nature and political instincts. He aimed for genuine engagement rather than manipulation within political circles.

• His rise through challenging circumstances shaped him into a serious leader who sought stability amid changing political landscapes.

Succession Speculations

• As Miguel Alemán's presidency neared its end, speculation arose about potential successors. This included discussions around multiple candidates vying for leadership roles within the government.

• A notable moment occurred when Alemán summoned individuals for a photograph alongside former presidents; this act led to assumptions about succession plans involving Ruiz Cortínez.

Election Day Reflections

• On July 6th, 1952, Mexican citizens demonstrated civic maturity by participating orderly in elections alongside high-ranking officials like Uruchurtu and other presidential candidates.

Historical Context of Ruiz Cortines' Presidency

The Legacy and Leadership Style

• The narrative begins with a reflection on the age of Ruiz Cortines, who was 60 years old, emphasizing that he was not as old as some might have thought. This detail sets the stage for understanding his leadership style.

• Ruiz Cortines aimed to consolidate and protect a historical legacy rather than innovate. His presidency is framed within the context of maintaining continuity in governance, particularly regarding revolutionary principles.

• A notable aspect of his presidency included traveling in a train that had historical significance, having been used since May 1920. This slow pace (20 km/h) symbolizes his deliberate approach to leadership after decades of political ascent.

Political Dynamics and Transition

• The transition ceremony between outgoing and incoming presidents typically followed a cordial tradition; however, this time Ruiz Cortines deviated from the norm by breaking away from scripted formalities.

• During the inauguration speech, Ruiz Cortines emphasized his commitment to uphold revolutionary principles and maintain integrity among public servants, indicating a strong stance against corruption.

Signs of Change in Power