President López Obrador vs. the business sector

President López Obrador vs. the business sector

After President Andrés Manuel López Obrador distanced himself from Carlos Salazar Lomelín, the president of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE), Lomelín was present when the President announced the pension reform yesterday. Carlos Salazar faced criticism on two sides: the CCE said he wasn’t tough enough when the president attacked the business sector and, at the same time, he was banned from the President’s office after he suggested that the business sector could participate in the electoral downfall of the current government. The signing of the pension reform is a breath of fresh air for the business chamber; nevertheless, his permanence is not guaranteed. Moreover, business owners around the country noticed that the only thing they gained with Salazar’s presence was a condescending treatment from President López Obrador. Will the business sector receive a tax extension? No, perhaps they won’t receive any benefit.

The victims of austerity

When Mara Gómez, the former president of the Executive Commission for Victims, publicly denounced that the federal government would cut 75% of its budget in early June and that she wouldn’t have enough resources to electricity and water bills, the government rejected her claims. She later resigned. Sources said that those who didn’t believe her claims are now facing the same budget cuts and austerity measures in their departments. Now, they are also victims of austerity. The question is if they will stay to see how the government deteriorates or if they will quit.

Mario Delgado comes under fire

Sources said Mario Delgado, Morena’s leader in the lower chamber, was somehow affected after the ruling party agreed to vote for the four INE counselors. By the next morning, the most radical party members criticized Delgado on social media. Insiders said lawmaker Gerardo Fernández Noroña couldn't contain his followers’ outrage against Mario Delgado. Through social media, users accused Delgado of being a traitor for giving up positions to the PAN, PRI, and PRD.

Ackerman’s endorsement could be dangerous

Yesterday, after Morena ended its rebellion, lawmakers finally agreed to appoint the four new INE counselors: Norma Irene de la Cruz Magaña, José Martín Fernando Faz Mora, Uuc-Kib Espadas Ancona, and Carla Astrid Humphrey Jordán. Nevertheless, only the first three were approved by John Ackerman, who disapproved of Carla Humphrey. Ackerman said the first three candidates were independent citizens but that Humphrey was a representative of the PRI and PAN. Morena lawmakers said Ackerman’s attitude is not helping the soon-to-be counselors because his words are more negative than positive for the first three candidates. Ackerman’s endorsement could be dangerous.

gm