60 Minutes Interview / Steel Tariff Controversy

Ayotzinapa. President López Obrador criticized the judicial ruling that led to the release of over 80 individuals allegedly involved in the disappearance of the 43 Ayotzinapa students. He denounced the flawed investigation, citing either incompetence or ill intent, which resulted in the release of those implicated in the students' disappearance. The president pointed out that while some of the suspects claimed they were tortured to provide statements, not all were subjected to such treatment. 

He attributed this to mismanagement, corrupt practices, or interests aimed at shielding those involved and derailing the investigation. López also suggested suspicions of political agreements possibly involving lawyers and human rights associations. 

60 Minutes Interview. During his interview with CBS's 60 Minutes, López Obrador confirmed that fentanyl is produced in Mexico. However, he emphasized that only a small amount of the fentanyl seized is produced in the country. He highlighted that Mexico has confiscated some fentanyl, but most of it is made from components imported into the country, similar to the situation in the United States and Canada, as acknowledged by their respective authorities. 

He criticized the tendency to blame Mexico without addressing the underlying issues in the United States and stressed the need for cooperation between both countries. López Obrador also highlighted Mexico's efforts to dismantle drug labs. He called for a comprehensive review of drug consumption habits, highlighting it as a primary problem in the United States. 

Violence in Culiacan. Regarding the recent kidnappings in Culiacan, López Obrador mentioned that most of the victims have been rescued, with 58 out of 66 located so far, leaving eight still missing. A few of the eight missing people have been identified and none of them are minors. The conflict is attributed to cartel confrontation but further details have not been disclosed. The government has deployed 1,800 military personnel in the operation and ongoing investigations and negotiations are underway. The incident does not target the general population but rather specific groups, and there are no indications that it will escalate or increase insecurity for civilians.

Steel Policy Controversy. In response to Donald Trump's proposal of 100% tariffs on Chinese-made cars in Mexico, the president stated that the Ministry of Economy is addressing the issue. Mexico seeks to maintain relations with all parties, which means discussions revolve around whether this is covered in USMCA. López Obrador stated that Chinese investments will continue, given Mexico's favorable conditions, including skilled labor, technical education, and access to the North American market. There are no disputes with China, and commercial relations with both the United States and China are robust, so López Obrador rejects the notion of engaging in a trade war. 

The National Hour. López criticized the unprecedented censorship of the national radio program "La Hora Nacional" by the National Electoral Institute (INE). He also criticized the prompt reaction of the National Chamber of the Radio and Television Industry (CIRT) members to the INE's precautionary measure, referring to them as "overzealous." Despite this, he urged public media not to be biased towards any presidential candidacy or fall into provocations. He found it remarkable that "La Hora Nacional" was censored, considering he thought it had ceased to exist.

Moscow Attack and Gaza Ceasefire. Regarding the attack in Moscow, López expressed his condolences and solidarity with the people and government of Russia. He also expressed full agreement with the result of the Security Council passed resolution demanding ‘an immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza during the Ramadan. He emphasized that it was long overdue, with so many lives already lost.