Distances from INE Decision / Explains Ban on Dairy Brands

Denies role in INE decision. President López Obrador said that it was the National Electoral Institute’s (INE) decision to deny the registration of México Libre as a political party, and that he had nothing to do with the outcome announced yesterday. “All I want to do is to make it clear that we stayed on the sidelines, which is also part of the changes (in my administration),” he said. Yesterday, electoral tribunal ministers (TEPJF) denied the registration of the organization founded by former First Lady Margarita Zavala Calderón, but did authorize three other new parties with strong ties to the López Obrador administration. The president stated that he does not decide on the registration of political parties, which he said is an action that belongs to the past.

Explains cheese prohibition. President López Obrador said the ban on sales of some cheese and yogurt brands was a decision by the Federal Consumer Prosecutor's Office (PROFECO) and that the purpose is not to harm companies. “The purpose is not to harm companies. We just have to take care of the health of the people. There is a great deal of fraud,” he said and explained that some adulterated chemicals are used to manufacture dairy products. “They need to make quality products that protect consumers. There are very good companies that take care of their quality, others do not,” he said. Yesterday, PROFECO banned several products manufactured by Danone and Lala, including Philadelphia cheese.

Stolen drugs are being replenished. President López Obrador said the stolen batch of anticancer drugs was covered by an insurance policy, so the resupplying process is moving forward. “They are insured, they are already being replenished. We are getting the medicines,” he said. The president said strange things happened regarding the theft of over 38,000 doses because the robbery was reported a long time after it occurred. “If someone is claiming that we stole our own medicines, he has bad faith. Those are reckless allegations,” he said.

Calls on party to listen to militants. After the increasing turmoil related to the renewal of Morena’s leadership, President López Obrador said a political party is an entity of public interest and that the best way to find solutions is to listen to “the feelings of militants and supporters.” The president noted that the national survey must be accepted by everyone.

Asks FGR to report on Lozoya investigation. President López Obrador asked the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) to report on the progress of the Emilio Lozoya investigation since there is the perception that the case is not moving forward. “It is perceived that the case was dropped. They are taking a long time because they are working on the investigation,” he said. The arrest and extradition of former PEMEX head Lozoya last July was expected to provide solid evidence involving of a massive fraud against PEMEX involving high-ranking officials in former President Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration but only one former representative has been found to have been involved. “I have confidence in the prosecutors. They are people of integrity and surely they are working,” López Obrador said.

Distancing replaces masks. President López Obrador said that although the recommendation to wear face masks is good, it is not necessary if distance between people is maintained. “It is very important that we take care of ourselves because it depends a lot on us, it depends on awareness. We must continue to take care of ourselves,” he said after being questioned on Minister of Public Education (SEP) Esteban Moctezuma’s decision yesterday to not remove his mask while addressing the Senate.

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Click HERE for full transcript in Spanish