INE Approves New Measures / Oil Companies

INE Approves New Measures Against AMLO. The Complaints and Accusations Commission of the National Electoral Institute (INE) approved on Thursday new measures against President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, with the objective of preventing him from making statements about the 2024 electoral process.

The aforementioned commission declared the complaint by the presidential candidate of the Broad Front for Mexico, Xóchitl Gálvez, to be admissible. In addition, it approved the elimination or modification of the morning press conferences and their respective stenographic versions from July 10, 11, 14 and 17. This decision was made because, under the appearance of rightful discourse and from a preliminary perspective, the Executive openly referred to the Federal Electoral Process and made references to electoral matters. "A precautionary measure was dictated as these statements are related to the upcoming federal electoral process and … could potentially undermine the principles of impartiality, neutrality and equity," INE concluded. "Anti-juridical behaviors are observed, which should be avoided in the future to prevent the irreparable violation of constitutional principles that must be guaranteed at all times, even prior to the process.” 

This is the second time that measures have been issued against López Obrador. Just last week, INE ordered the president to refrain from making electoral remarks, following accusations made against Gálvez Ruiz.

AMLO Urges Oil Companies to Take Care of Workers. President López Obrador called on owners of oil companies to take care of their workers after fires on platforms resulted in fatalities, despite some employees having worked in the industry for several years.

"Any of the companies working on platforms must be more cautious, act preventively, with more professionalism. These companies have been working in the oil industry for a long time now. We will continue to call on companies to take care of their workers and act responsibly," he stated. 

Chalco-Santa Martha Trolleybus to Reduce Travel Time. Alfredo del Mazo, Governor, State of Mexico, announced that the new trolleybus service from Chalco to Santa Martha will reduce travel time from 120 minutes to just 33 minutes with express service and 45 minutes with regular service. This represents 75% time savings compared to the usual travel time.

"We will go from a 2hr journey between the two areas to a 45min regular service and a 33min express service. This means savings of over an hour and fifteen minutes for users traveling between their homes and workplaces or schools in this area."

Emilio Lozoya. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said he supports the US$30 million restitution demand from former PEMEX head Emilio Lozoya to secure his release from prison. Lozoya is implicated in cases involving the overpriced purchase of the Agronitrogenados plant and allegedly receiving bribes from Odebrecht. 

The increase in the demanded payment caused controversy, with his defense claiming it amounts to extortion. López Obrador believes the restitution is fair given the significant damage caused to the public treasury. He calls for justice and restitution according to the law, allowing the legal process to continue while maintaining Lozoya's right to prove his innocence.