Taking a Look at the Mexican Presidential Candidates' Debate

By Luis Pazos

At a forum analyzing the debate, with representatives of the candidates, each represented their hopeful as the winner.  And many viewers who watched the debate considered their particular candidate to be the winner. The degree of political fanaticism seems to surpass that of soccer fanatics, because when their favorite team plays poorly many fans criticize it, which seems not to be the case when a preferred candidate does poorly.

Bronco was witty and, knowing he will not win, said what he thinks, like cutting off a hand of thieves.  And although it shows one has not read the Constitution, his commentary sounded good to many who have been victims of theft while the perpetrators go unpunished.

Margarita was flowing with her answers and comments, satanized for being the wife of a former President – who, by the way, gave the current government a country with twice the growth and lower inflation.

They questioned José Antonio Meade regarding his silence considering the corruption of the party he represents. Very difficult for a candidate with a reputation for speaking out honestly on the subject, when he represents a party and government that are considered the most dishonest in the modern history of Mexico.

Lopez Obrador, who is leading in the polls, chose not to answer uncomfortable questions and just repeated phrases that have worked. He did not clarify the allegations of incongruity for having on his team those he described in his book as corrupt and having been member[s] of the PRI in the Salinas government.

Anaya, seen as the winner in serious polls, not in those where the PRI used robots such as the social networks, was the best prepared with his answers. He responded well to the accusations of dishonesty. He blamed PGR factions for accusing him without proof, and [President Enrique Peña Nieto] for protecting corrupt PRI governors. He cited the case of Coahuila. He said corrupt governors where arrested where there are alternate [governments], not where the PRI remains in power.

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Luis Pazos (e-mail: [email protected]), who heads the Free Enterprise Research Center (CISLE) in Mexico City, holds a master's degree in Public Finance and a doctorate in Law from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).  A prolific writer and forethoughtful analyst, Dr. Pazos' commentaries on Mexican economics, finance and politics have appeared in newspapers and magazines throughout the Americas.  As well, he is the author of numerous books.  Edited translation by MexiData.info.