Week of: 11/12/2023-11/18/2023

AMLO at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit 

During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Summit in San Francisco, California, this week (11/11-11/17), President Andrés Manuel López Obrador held a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, marking the fourth bilateral encounter between these leaders.  

AMLO's delegation includes key officials such as Luis Cresencio Sandoval, Secretary of National Defense; José Rafael Ojeda Durán, Secretary of the Navy; Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Secretary of Citizen Security; Raquel Buenrostro, Secretary of Economy; and Alicia Bárcena, Secretary of Foreign Relations. 

Before the meeting, AMLO mentioned that he planned to discuss strengthening the border, combating organized crime, and trafficking of synthetic drugs like fentanyl, as well as trade-related topics like the USMCA, with President Biden.  

In previous meetings this week, Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated AMLO on Mexico's progress and reforms during his five years in power. Xi expressed condolences for the impact of Hurricane Otis in Acapulco and offered assistance. He emphasized the importance of bilateral relations and expressed a willingness to elevate them to a new level in collaboration with López Obrador. 

Ebrard to stay in Morena 

Marcelo Ebrard has declared his continued affiliation with Morena and has reached a political understanding with presumed presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum. The former Foreign Minister welcomed Morena's acknowledgment of irregularities in the internal process of choosing a presidential candidate, where Sheinbaum emerged victorious. Ebrard emphasized the necessity of addressing unacceptable practices within Morena and asserted that identifying errors while maintaining convictions doesn't make one a traitor.  

Discussions between Ebrard and Sheinbaum have revolved around political ideas and the nation's future, highlighting Sheinbaum's openness to diverse opinions. President López Obrador commended Ebrard's decision, underscoring its significance for party unity and the ongoing “transformation,” the term used to refer to the president’s political movement. Sheinbaum expressed contentment with Ebrard's choice, emphasizing unity in constructing a just, free, and democratic Mexico.  

Regarding a potential 2024 presidential run with Movimiento Ciudadano, Ebrard mentioned he would adhere to his current position, respecting the party's stance. Ebrard's statements came after his decision not to participate in Movimiento Ciudadano's internal presidential candidate race. He clarified that he won't abandon his presidential aspirations but deems the current circumstances unfavorable.  

The National Commission of Honesty and Justice of Morena acknowledged irregularities reported by Ebrard in the internal process but considered them insufficient for a survey redo, promising penalties for misconduct by some government and party officials. 

Musk’s Starlink company wins government contract 

On Wednesday, Emiliano Calderón, coordinator of the National Digital Strategy, addressed the government's significant contracts with Elon Musk's Starlink company for internet and cell phone services.  

Calderón explained the utilization of various technologies, including satellite connections. He highlighted the adoption of Starlink's new low orbit service, renowned for its rapid data transfer without signal delays. Calderón clarified that these contracts, including over 22,000 contracts for free internet and nearly 4,000 for cell phone sites, were awarded through a public bid and will be valid until December 2026. The contracts aim to enhance connectivity nationwide, and President López Obrador anticipates nearly complete internet coverage in the country in 2024.  

García officially registered as a presidential candidate for Movimiento Ciudadano 

On Sunday, Samuel García Sepúlveda, the current governor of Nuevo León, officially registered as a pre-candidate for the 2024 Mexican presidency under Movimiento Ciudadano (MC). Accompanied by his wife and daughter, he submitted the required documents at the party's headquarters in Mexico City after visiting the Basilica of Guadalupe. García, aiming to replicate the successes of Nuevo León on a national level, criticized traditional political parties for disappointments, corruption, and neglecting the youth. He declared a need to oust old politics, emphasizing his commitment to a new era. 

García plans to tour Mexico, presenting his political project and gaining supporters. He has requested a leave of absence as governor, effective on December 2, 2023, which will last six months if he wins the internal process. While other potential candidates were considered, it seems García and Senator Indira Kempis will be the sole Movimiento Ciudadano pre-candidates, as registration took place on November 12.  

García, if successful, will compete against Morena's Claudia Sheinbaum and PAN's Xóchitl Gálvez. A November 10 poll placed Sheinbaum in the lead with 45.20%, Gálvez at 26.10%, and García at 9.30%. The remaining 19.4% comprises undecided or those favoring other candidates.