Adios amor, me voy de ti

Goodbye AMLO, Acapulco chair & quesadillas

Author

Rocio Lucero
October 03, 2024

Hola amigos 👋

Today, we’re diving into the end of an era as AMLO steps down from the Mexican presidency. He wrapped up his final mañanera in style with mariachi, breakfast, and even raffled off his watch to a journalist! We’ll take a look back at his legacy, the impact he’s made, and what’s next for Mexico.

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Let’s get to it! 

TOP NEWS 

El chapulin colorado

As Andrés Manuel López Obrador's presidency ends, he leaves with record popularity, having reduced poverty, passed divisive changes to the judiciary and National Guard, and held an impressive 1,438 daily briefings. How will the populist president be remembered by history? 

Tell me more.

On Monday, September 30th, AMLO concluded his six-year term on a high note. During his final daily briefing, or mañanera, he celebrated with live music, breakfast, and even raffled off his own watch to a journalist—a fitting end for a charismatic president who made accessibility to the people one of his trademarks.

The daily media briefings were a hallmark of his presidency, offering direct, daily access that past leaders never provided. This unique approach likely fueled his popularity, as Mexicans grew accustomed to hearing from their leader every day on a wide range of topics. Despite his widespread support, AMLO remained a polarizing figure, with his policies and decisions often sparking debate.

Reflecting on his presidency, AMLO stated, “I dedicated myself to serve the people. I leave very satisfied to have the affection of many Mexicans.” Indeed, his administration saw significant achievements: 5.1 million people rose out of poverty between 2018 and 2022, marking the most substantial poverty reduction in over two decades. His popularity never dipped below 60%, an impressive feat in modern Mexican politics.

His legacy includes raising the minimum wage by threefold, strengthening the peso, and increasing foreign investment, making Mexico the world’s 12th largest economy. Major infrastructure projects, such as new airports and the Maya train, were launched, and his administration took steps to repatriate archaeological artifacts. Morena, his political party, also seized control of most of the country's political landscape. However, these successes were accompanied by criticisms over ongoing security issues, constitutional changes, and the growing role of the military.

Let’s unpack this.

While many celebrated his achievements, critics pointed to AMLO’s more controversial actions. His presidency was marked by contentious reforms, and his government faced protests in the final weeks. Supporters credited him with addressing poverty through labor reforms, increased wages, and welfare payments. Yet, detractors accused him of eroding democratic oversight and failing to tackle rights abuses and insecurity effectively.

Crime and security remain ongoing challenges. Despite a lack of significant change, AMLO maintained that stability was, in itself, a measure of success. However, families of the country’s disappeared continue their search for justice, and Mexico’s alarming rates of violence persist.

What does this mean?

As AMLO retires to his ranch in Chiapas, Mexico turns its attention to his successor, Claudia Sheinbaum, who was sworn in on Tuesday as the country’s first female president. 

With Morena's supermajority in the lower house and near-supermajority in the Senate, Sheinbaum will have immense power to shape the country's future. The nation now waits to see how she will build on or diverge from the path set by her mentor and predecessor.

📜 Sheinbaum sworn in as Mexico's first female president

🪑 Do you know the story behind the iconic Acapulco chair? 

🌀 Hurricane John leaves a trail of destruction across Southwestern Mexico

💻 Microsoft invests US$1.3 billion to enhance AI skills in Mexico

🚨 Over 100 dead or missing amid escalating Sinaloa Cartel war

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CULTURE & HAPPENINGS
DID YOU KNOW?  

In Mexico City, ordering a quesadilla might surprise you—because it often doesn't come with cheese! Unlike in the rest of Mexico, here you have to specify if you want cheese, otherwise, you might end up with just the tortilla and filling. It's a quirk that always sparks some friendly debate between chilangos (Mexico City locals) and the rest of the country!

VIRAL VAULT

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See you next week!