New Mexican President Will Bring Changes
The former longtime ruling party in Mexico returns to power. Photo courtesy flickr.com/espartaAudio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
By Kelly Connelly
It appears Institutional Revolutionary Party candidate Enrique Peña Nieto will be Mexico’s next president. It could mean a shift in security and trade with one of Texas’ closest neighbors and biggest trading partner.
Peña Nieto is inheriting security challenges on the border. The outgoing administration’s strategy has been dismantling criminal organizations, but Peña Nieto wants to focus on specific crimes — individual murders and kidnappings.
Christopher Wilson from the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center says the new strategy, and closer partnership with the U.S., could reduce violence in border cities.
“To the extent that the U.S. law enforcement can step up its role in going after the guns and money that are feeding the criminal organizations in Mexico, that would be really helpful to both Mexico and the United States.”
Wilson says Peña Nieto visited the U.S. before the election to maintain a positive relationship when it comes to trade — a relationship that can improve with Mexico’s economy.
The economic reforms he has promised will be essential in increasing growth in Mexico, but he will have to work with the opposition-controlled legislature to get them.
Peña Nieto will take office December 1.
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