LA COLUMNA DE MARTÍN LAZO CUEVAS

Biography of Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO)
President of the Republic of Mexico (2018-2024)

Andrés Manuel López Obrador, commonly known as AMLO, was born on November 13, 1953, in Tepetitán, a small village in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. From a young age, AMLO showed a deep interest in politics and social justice, influenced by leftist movements and ideals of Mexico’s transformation. His political career began in his youth, and over the years, he became one of the most influential figures in contemporary Mexican politics.

Political Career Before the Presidency

Before becoming president, López Obrador served as head of government of Mexico City from 2000 to 2005, where he stood out for his progressive policies and closeness to the popular classes. His focus on social justice, urban infrastructure improvement, and social development left a significant impact on the capital, earning admiration from various sectors of society.

In his pursuit of the presidency, AMLO ran in 2006 and 2012 but it was in 2018, leading a political front that united various leftist sectors under the name Morena (National Regeneration Movement), that he garnered the necessary popular support to win the presidential election. His message of change and transformation resonated with millions of Mexicans, especially those affected by the social and economic inequalities that characterized the country.

Presidency of the Republic of Mexico (2018-2024)

AMLO’s presidency was marked by a firm focus on the fourth transformation (4T) of the country, a concept that, according to him, involved a profound renewal of Mexico's political, economic, and social systems. During his term, several projects and reforms of significant impact were initiated in various sectors.

Most Significant and Socially Impactful Projects During His Presidency:

1. Fight Against Corruption:
One of the main pillars of AMLO’s government was the fight against corruption. The president implemented policies to reduce spending in areas he deemed unnecessary, such as the functioning of the high bureaucracy and pensions for former presidents. He also promoted audits and the creation of the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) to combat money laundering and corruption at all levels.


2. Republican Austerity:
AMLO adopted a policy of austerity to reduce public spending. This included the elimination of luxuries and privileges for high-ranking public officials and salary cuts for top government officials. Austerity was also reflected in the reduction of expenses in government communications and advertising.

3. Social Programs:
During his presidency, AMLO implemented several social programs aimed at vulnerable sectors. Some of the most notable ones include:

Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro (Young People Building the Future), which offered scholarships and training opportunities for unemployed youth.

Pension for the Well-being of Older Adults, which increased pensions for adults over 68 years of age, aiming to guarantee their well-being.

Sembrando Vida (Sowing Life), a program that provided financial support to farmers and agricultural workers to promote reforestation and sustainable agriculture.

4. Key Infrastructure Projects: AMLO pushed forward several major infrastructure projects that defined his administration. The most significant were:

The Maya Train, a large-scale project aimed at promoting economic and tourism development in southeastern Mexico, connecting states such as Yucatán, Quintana Roo, Campeche, Tabasco, and Chiapas.

The Dos Bocas Refinery in Tabasco, which aimed to increase domestic fuel production and reduce dependence on gasoline imports.

The Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), a controversial project that replaced the construction of the airport in Texcoco, aiming to improve the country’s air transportation infrastructure.

5. Energy Sector Reforms:
AMLO’s government promoted an energy reform aimed at strengthening state-owned companies like Pemex and CFE (Federal Electricity Commission), with the goal of reclaiming Mexico's energy sovereignty. Despite criticism and concerns about the environmental and economic viability of these reforms, AMLO remained firm in his position to prioritize state control over energy resources.

6. Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic:
During the global health crisis, AMLO implemented a series of measures to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 in Mexico. His government initially adopted a “non-intervention” strategy, prioritizing social welfare through direct support to the most affected sectors, although these decisions were widely debated due to the lack of a more assertive public health approach.

7. International Relations and Foreign Policy:
AMLO also stood out for his foreign policy, especially in relation to the United States, with whom he renegotiated the Mexico-United States-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Additionally, his stance on issues such as migration and his support for the self-determination of Latin American countries were key aspects of his administration.

Legacy and Challenges

AMLO’s legacy is complex and often polarizing. While many of his social programs and efforts to combat corruption are widely supported, other sectors of society have criticized his authoritarian approach and economic management. However, it is undeniable that his presidency has left a profound mark on contemporary Mexican history.

With a consistent focus on social justice and transformation, AMLO has forever changed the political landscape of Mexico, making issues such as austerity, corruption, and social welfare central to the national agenda. His term, although filled with challenges, has witnessed some of the most ambitious projects in the country’s recent history.

Author: Martín Lazo Cuevas, voice of Centro Aztlán, roots and renaissance of the Consejo Mayor de Comunidad Mexicana
With assistance from: Aurelia, personal assistant