Historia del Neoliberalismo en México - Andrés Manuel López Obrador (22/08/2024)

Historical Day for Mexico

Introduction to the Fourth Transformation

• The speaker emphasizes that this day marks a historic moment, leading to a memorable night as citizens initiate the fourth transformation of public life in Mexico.

Context of the 2018 Elections

• The 2018 elections were described as an extraordinary plebiscite where millions voted against poverty, marginalization, and injustice, resulting in over 30 million votes aimed at profound change.

• Voters sought to end corruption and impunity by supporting Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), who proposed a significant transformation comparable to Mexico's historical changes: independence, reform, and revolution.

Nature of the Fourth Transformation

• Unlike previous transformations, this fourth one is characterized as peaceful and aims for economic, political, social, and cultural change.

• AMLO's government began with high hopes for change and a commitment to uphold the Mexican Constitution while serving democratically for the prosperity of all.

Political Engagement and Public Connection

• A notable shift occurred in political engagement; past governments distanced themselves from citizens. In contrast, AMLO established direct relationships with people across Mexico.

• AMLO’s approach involved daily contact with citizens rather than relying on theoretical models disconnected from reality.

Social Policies Under AMLO

Focus on Welfare Programs

• For the first time since Lázaro Cárdenas' administration, marginalized groups felt represented by their leader who understood their needs through regular communication via morning conferences.

Changes in Social Spending

• The government shifted its focus towards reducing inequalities by prioritizing welfare programs directly benefiting those in need without intermediaries.

Direct Support Initiatives

• Key policies included direct financial support to vulnerable populations such as elderly individuals and single mothers while expanding existing programs significantly.

Impact of Social Programs

Beneficiaries of New Initiatives

• Major initiatives like pensions for seniors reached nearly 11.5 million beneficiaries aged 65+, including many from indigenous communities.

Disability Support Expansion

• The disability support program benefited over 1.4 million individuals with significant outreach into marginalized areas.

Youth Empowerment Programs

Government Initiatives and Social Programs

Youth Employment and Training Programs

• The government has implemented programs that have trained over 2.5 million young people in 452,000 workplaces across the country since its inception until June 30, 2023.

• Of those trained, 58% were women, highlighting a focus on gender inclusivity in employment initiatives.

Agricultural Support Programs

• Economic support was provided to elderly farmers in the poorest regions through the "Sembrando Vida" program, benefiting 447,672 farmers across 23 states.

• Scholarships were created for economically disadvantaged students in public schools, allowing continuity of education for 10.5 million basic and higher education students, with 51% being women.

Poverty Reduction Efforts

• Significant progress has been made in reducing poverty; from 2018 to 2022, the poverty rate decreased from 41.9% to 36.3%, indicating effective social policies.

Indigenous Rights and Development Plans

• The government recognized the rights of indigenous and Afro-descendant communities by establishing justice and development plans aimed at addressing historical grievances.

• Eleven justice plans have been initiated for various states including Sonora and Jalisco, focusing on land rights, water access, education, health care, and cultural preservation.

Restoration of Welfare State

• The current administration aims to reconstruct the welfare state dismantled during neoliberal governments by restoring essential services like housing and healthcare.

• Key industries such as energy and telecommunications were previously undermined; efforts are now underway to recover these sectors for national benefit.

Economic Recovery Initiatives

• A major goal is rescuing Pemex (Petróleos Mexicanos), which had suffered under previous administrations due to mismanagement leading it towards bankruptcy.

Energy Independence and Infrastructure Development in Mexico

Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiatives

• The Mexican government aims to achieve energy self-sufficiency by processing crude oil domestically, reducing reliance on foreign gasoline purchases.

• The Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), previously weakened by past administrations, is being revitalized to ensure Mexico's energy sovereignty.

• A significant measure includes the acquisition of 13 power plants from Spanish company Iberdrola, increasing CFE's electricity generation share from 47% in 2019 to an expected 56%.

Major Infrastructure Projects

Tren Maya

• The Tren Maya project is a massive infrastructure initiative spanning 1554 km with 20 stations and 14 stops, connecting historical cities and natural reserves across several states.

• This project is anticipated to stimulate economic development in the historically underdeveloped southeastern region of Mexico.

Interoceanic Corridor

• The Interoceanic Corridor of Tehuantepec serves as a logistics platform linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, enhancing trade flow through key ports.

• It will facilitate increased commerce between southern U.S. regions, Europe, America, and Asia via ports like Salina Cruz and Coatzacoalcos.

Felipe Ángeles International Airport

• The new Felipe Ángeles International Airport aims to alleviate congestion at Mexico City's Benito Juárez Airport while meeting growing flight demand.

Economic Management Strategies

• President López Obrador's administration emphasizes responsible public finance management without raising taxes but through austerity measures and anti-corruption efforts.

• Despite dire predictions of economic crisis due to global challenges like the pandemic, Mexico has shown resilience without incurring public debt or favoring large corporations.

Political Transformations

Citizen Participation Initiatives

• Since taking office in 2018, López Obrador’s government has altered the political landscape dominated by PRI and PAN parties through citizen engagement initiatives such as public consultations.

Governance and Accountability in Mexico

Transformation of Public Life

• The government is implementing measures to allow citizens to evaluate their leaders before the end of their terms, ensuring accountability and oversight over elected representatives.

• This approach promotes continuous assessment by the public regarding whether officials should continue in their roles or be replaced, enhancing democratic engagement.

• The administration emphasizes its commitment to transforming public life, particularly for the poorest and most marginalized communities, while still governing for all Mexicans.

• Acknowledgment of past neoliberal policies is made, with a focus on opening new horizons for Mexican society through progressive governance.