Hidalgo Governor Joins Pact/National Guard Called In

ASF report sparks attacks on the government. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador explained that the initial report of the Superior Audit Office of the Federation (ASF) regarding an overcharge for the cancellation of the New Mexico International Airport (NAIM) has given his political adversaries the opportunity to damage the image of the government. López Obrador explained the ASF reported that the cost was MX$331 billion. The real cost was of MX$110 billion. "They made a wrong total. Although they accepted the mistake, they have caused a lot of damage and give elements to our adversaries to attack us," said López Obrador.

Governors join the National Pact for Democracy. López Obrador announced that Hidalgo Gov. Omar Fayad had joined the president’s proposed National Pact for Democracy. The agreement calls on governors to remain neutral in the June elections. "The commitment is not only to democracy, but also to institutions, counterweights and dialogue between institutions," said López Obrador. The governors of the State of Mexico, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, Mexico City and Hidalgo have signed the agreement. They seek a meeting with the president to promote the new alliance.

 National Guard to provide security during elections. López Obrador said the government will provide security to candidates in the nationwide June election "if the state governments request it or the circumstances demonstrate it." The president announced that elements of the National Guard will protect candidates during the elections and that his government seeks to address all attacks on candidates. "The government seeks to establish the conditions so that the people have the reins of power and a participatory democracy," said López Obrador.

Romanian mafia problem has not been addressed. López Obrador explained that the situation relating to the Romanian mafia in the country has not been discussed within the security cabinet and he has asked Minister of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) Rosa Icela Rodríguez to proceed with the case. "Not much has been said in the security cabinet. However, our priority is to move forward with the case and improve the situation," said López Obrador. According to Milenio, the Romanian mafia, led by “El Tiburon” arrived in Mexico in 2014 and has been operating in Jalisco, Guanajuato, Mexico City and Quintana Roo. The group has been accused of stealing more than MX$400 million (US$19.1 million) from financial institutions such as Banorte, Inbursa, and Kuspit, through cyberattacks on the Interbank Electronic Payment System (SPEI).

Click HERE for full transcript in Spanish