KEYPOINTS OF PRESIDENT ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR’S MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE

his interest in running as a presidential candidate and, therefore, was not considered.

• New Secretary of Foreign Affairs: President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador informed that Alicia Barcena Ibarra will replace Marcelo Ebrard as Secretary of Foreign Affairs, following his resignation to seek MORENA’s candidacy for the presidency. In this sense, the President pointed out that she will occupy the position in 10 days, since she is currently Mexico’s ambassador to Chile.

Elections 2024

• Electoral process: President Lopez Obrador highlighted the beginning of the 2024 electoral process and emphasized that in his party, MORENA, there are no longer impositions or direct appointments. He congratulated himself for the internal decision making and the absence of “dedazo” or pre-selected candidates. He acknowledged having met with the presidential hopefuls outside of his working hours and outside of the National Palace. He emphasized the need to guarantee equal conditions and unity. It was mentioned that the method of selection of candidates in MORENA is through surveys and transparency is guaranteed in the election of plurinominal candidates by means of a lottery. The President reiterated that he will not seek reelection and that he will retire at the end of his term, highlighting the importance of a generational replacement. In addition, it was clarified that Juan Ramon de la Fuente did not express

• Resignations of members of the Cabinet: The President argued that all priority projects have specific people in charge of their correct functioning, therefore, in the event of resignation of members of his Cabinet to seek candidacies for governorships in the 2024 election, the functioning of his government would not be affected.

Economy

• Inflation: President Lopez Obrador highlighted that inflation is decreasing according to INEGI’s report. He attributed this improvement to the Package Against Inflation and Expense (PACIC), which has reduced the prices of basic products and avoided fuel increases. He highlighted the strengthening of the peso and the focus on achieving economic growth with welfare without generating inflation. He acknowledged that during the neoliberal period there was a loss of purchasing power, but the increase in the minimum wage has contributed to improve purchasing power. He presented a graph showing an increase in the purchasing power of basic products such as beans, eggs and tortillas. Although he pointed out that there are still pending challenges in the area of pensions.

Keypoints Of President

ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR’S MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE

Infrastructure

• Six-Year Works: President Lopez Obrador said that over the weekend he made a supervision tour in the Huastecas. He also detailed that the possibility of extending the runway of the airport in the municipality of Tamuin, in San Luis Potosi, is being analyzed, and said that 10 billion pesos are being invested in the extension of the Valles - Tamazunchale highway. The President said that before leaving office he expects to finish all the six-year works and maintain the welfare programs that already exist.

• New state airline: President Lopez Obrador pointed out that former President Felipe Calderon handed Aeromexico over to businessmen, leaving Mexico without a public company. In response, it was decided to create a state-owned airline, possibly under the name “Aerolinea Maya”, with the intention of rescuing the “Mexicana de aviacion” brand. However, there were lawsuits from Mexicana de Aviacion workers that have delayed the decision on the brand. Despite this, it is expected that the state-owned company’s aircraft will begin operations this month.

• Category 1: Regarding the recovery of Category 1 aviation status, the President stated that Mexico has complied with the demands of the United States and only one step remains to be taken in that country. Good news is expected in the near future. The role of Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard in international relations was also acknowledged, especially in the negotiations related to the aviation category. Although differences with the United States persist, the infrastructure and security at the airports have been improved, highlighting the Felipe Angeles airport. The President highlight- ed the agreement reached with cargo and courier companies to move their operations to the Felipe Angeles airport. However, he mentioned that there is an organization that refuses to comply with the transfer within the deadline established by the decree. The willingness to be flexible in this matter was expressed.

• Tren Maya: Diego Prieto Hernandez, Director General of INAH indicated that 100% of the permits have already been granted for the recovery of archaeological zones in Yucatan and Quintana Roo for the Tren Maya works, only section 6 remains, where archaeological field salvage must be substantiated. El Meco” an archaeological site in Quintana Roo was mentioned; through a video it was highlighted that an integral tourist zone will be promoted to take advantage of the attraction of sun and beach.

• Hydraulic Projects: President Lopez Obrador shared progress on two hydraulic projects: the recovery of Lake Texcoco and the construction of the “El Cuchillo II Aqueduct” in Nuevo Leon. Lake Texcoco was declared a Natural Protected Area to conserve fauna and wetlands. The “Texcoco Ecological Park” project is 65% complete and will bring benefits such as improved air quality and recreation. In the Monterrey Metropolitan Area, the con-

Keypoints Of President

ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR’S MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE

struction of La Libertad Dam is 64.8% complete, while the El Cuchillo II Aqueduct is 58% complete with a federal investment of 4,743 million pesos. These projects seek to improve the environment and water supply in the corresponding regions.

Health

• IMSS-Bienestar: When asked about the refusal of some governors to implement IMSS-Bienestar in the states, the President pointed out that the enrollment of the states is voluntary. In this sense, he does not rule out that the governors have agreements with medicine distributors, which is why they refuse to implement the program in their states.

• Medicine shortages: the president mentioned the existence of corruption in the sale of goods and services to the government by 10 companies, some related to the government and the media. The issue of medicine shortages was addressed, stating that the IMSS-Bienestar program is operating in 15 states and has solved the problem to a great extent. The intention to improve the health system before the end of the government was highlighted and it was mentioned that the states without affiliation to IMSS-Bienestar have their own budget to purchase medicines. In addition, the supply of psychiatric drugs will be reported in a later bulletin.

• Health Protection: The President stated that he is complying with a series of commitments to protect the health of the population, among them, it was decided not to allow the commercialization of transgenic corn; and, on the other hand, a series of regulations have been implemented on products that are harmful to health, especially restrictive measures have been promoted in the advertising of tobacco products such as cigars and vapes, and in alcoholic beverages, such as beer.

Security

• Security Report: During the current six-year term in Mexico, the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Rosa Icela Rodriguez, reported that there has been a 17% decrease in homicides at the federal level. However, 47.6% of these homicides are concentrated in six states: Guanajuato, State of Mexico, Baja California, Jalisco, Chihuahua and Michoacan. There has also been a 43.2% reduction in motor vehicle thefts. The prevention of oil theft has been a priority for the Armed Forces, which have achieved an estimated savings of more than 271 billion pesos. In relation to the prevention of tollbooth takeovers, an estimated savings of 50 billion 366 million pesos is estimated from 2020 to June 1, 2023. In addition, since March 2022,