Mexico’s new President means global changes
2012 has been quite a year for international politics. The US, China and Mexico have all welcomed new leaders. Mexico’s new leader, President Enrique Peña Nieto was the former governor of the 15 million residents in the state of Mexico. He is dedicated to strong US-Mexico relations and is business minded. His platform includes focusing on stabilization of food prices, energy reform, reducing violence, and protecting the social security of all Mexicans.
Below are five interesting facts about the President to give you an idea of how he intends on leading:
1. The PRI is back with a new young face
President Peña Nieto’s party, PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party), ruled Mexico for 70 years before being voted out in 2000. He plans to give to party a new, fresh look.
2. Term length
The newly elected Enrique Peña Nieto will serve one six-year term. This will be his third time holding office in Mexico.
3. The future of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)
President Barack Obama and President Enrique Peña Nieto have agreed to strengthen US-Mexico security, trade and partnerships.
4. War on Crimes
President Peña Nieto has vowed to focus less on high-profile drug lords, and more on crimes that have an impact on Mexican citizens: kidnapping, extortion, and street violence.
5. Race to the Top
While foreign relations have been established since 1972, Mexico and China are in a heated battle for the US export market. President Peña Nieto plans to be on guard against China flooding the US market with cheap goods.
Interesting things to note:
Three large nations elected leaders in 2012 (US, China and Mexico) and all have had a business focus in their platforms for reform and change. It will be another 60 years (2072) before all three nations elect a new leader in the same year.
In the years to come, I would expect to see more policy reform around US-Mexico relations.
