By Alejandra Garcia on September 5, 2024 from Mexico City
Mexico City, photos: Alejandra Garcia
On September 1st, the final stretch of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s (AMLO) government began, marked by his sixth and last Government Report. On that Sunday, the city’s transportation became grid locked in the surroundings of the emblematic Zocalo, as thousands of guests and thousands of supporters accompanied his words, delivered where AMLO himself celebrated his victory in the 2018 presidential elections.
Young people, women and men of all ages, also followed every word from the radio and TV stations. The whole country was saying goodbye and thanking, in a symbolic way, the member of the leftist Morena party, the president who broke luxurious traditions of some leaders who preceded him, such as selling the presidential plane and allocating that money to the construction of hospitals, or living in the Presidential Palace and not in the enormous mansion of Los Pinos.
This reporter traveled to Mexico in 2018, two months after the arrival to power of the president, who shook hands with Cuba right away and advocated against the blockade imposed by the United States on the island. And I was also in Mexico during the talks that put a close to his six years of contributions to the country’s most in need, to the fight against corruption, and to the dignified negotiations with the White House to put order migration to the United States, and make it more humane. On both occasions, I have witnessed many people grateful, attentive, seeking the president and listening to his words with respect.
“I retire with the honor of having served hard-working and honest people, heir to the great values of so many heroes…. Much was done among all and from below. It is unquestionable that we advanced in the revolution of consciences and made progress improving the quality of life of those who are at the bottom of our foundations. We made it clear to everyone that power only makes sense when it is placed at the service of others,” said the president from the Zocalo square, on a cold Sunday, marked by a light, intermittent rain.
His political agenda focused on benefiting the most humble. “Democracy is the power of the people….. The opposition wants power without people. To hell with that! We have proven the principle of ‘ First the Poor’. 30 million households are benefiting from social programs, and all are receiving better wages…
AMLO also spoke to the world, in the midst of international uncertainty due to wars, political interference, and power struggles: “It is possible to work without international agendas and without economic powers. Although Mexico has been slandered, we have never persecuted, censured or repressed anyone. It is a stamp of pride that can be improved with the support of the people, even if we are against oligarchic powers or the manipulation media.”
He says goodbye with a clear conscience and looks pleased. According to his own words, nothing makes him happier than having achieved, with the support of many, to reduce poverty. “I leave with peace of mind because the one I will hand over the presidential sash to is an experienced, honest and above all good-feeling woman, with a kind heart, in tune with the principles of our transformation movement, and a true defender of sovereignty: Claudia Sheinbaum.”
Much remains to be done in Mexico. The country is still notoriously backward due to the period in which the government was in the hands of corrupt oligarchs who never cared for the good of the people.
AMLO marked a notable difference from previous politicians. He does not speak to the people as his subjects, but as he would speak to his sons and brothers. “Life is too short to waste it on things that are not worthwhile. Happiness does not lie in money, titles or fame, nor in the pursuit of power. Happiness is to be well with oneself, with our conscience, and with our fellow-man,” said AMLO.
The message gives peace and hope. “Let’s keep fighting for what we have achieved to have a new, generous, eternal homeland. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Long live the people of Mexico!”
Source: Resumen Latinoamericano – English