EPN warns against populism; makes ten proposals
The President acknowledged that the country's crime, corruption and economic troubles have caused distrust and anger among Mexicans.
In his third state of the union address, President Enrique Peña Nieto blasted populists and demagogues arising from internal crisis that encourage rancor, discord and division in their societies.
He said that in severe scenarios, societies face the risk of opting for false solutions in their quest for quick exits.
"Where there is intolerance, demagoguery or populism, nations far from reaching the change they aspire to, find division and setbacks," President Peña Nieto said.
In his speech, the President acknowledged that the country's crime, corruption and economic troubles have caused distrust and anger among Mexicans.
"The last year has been a difficult one for Mexico," the President said, referring to the escape of Joaquín El Chapo Guzmán, the accusations of conflict of interest, the drop in oil prices and the strengthening of the dollar.
"Complaints of corruption in the municipal, state and federal governments, and some cases in the private sphere, have caused distrust and anger among Mexicans," President Peña Nieto acknowledged.
As part of his report, President Peña Nieto made ten proposals to face the main national challenges:
1) Promoting reforms to strengthen the rule of law and combat corruption, including the enactment of complementary laws such as the general law to prevent, punish and eradicate torture and the law on enforced disappearances.
2) Selling educational infrastructure bonuses on Mexico's stock exchange for 50 billion pesos (US$2.98 billion) over the next three years.
3) Creating exclusive economic zones in the South and Southeast of the country to fight poverty and inequality.
4) A national program to teach English as part of basic education.
5) Opening a Ministry of Culture.
6) Keeping macroeconomic stability.
7) Introducing a new energy investment vehicle called "Fibra E".
8) A national agreement on everyday justice in order to expedite the solution of civil, labor, trade or administrative trials.
9) Supporting rural producers.
10) An austere 2016 budget that prioritizes public security, financing for public universities, spending on fighting poverty and strengthening scientific and technological development.