Mexicans must act responsibly/ Crimes are decreasing

Former governor of Jalisco murdered. Aristóteles Sandoval, the former governor of Jalisco, has been murdered in a direct attack in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. This morning, Aristóteles was in a bar on Francisco Media Ascencio Avenue with three other people. According to El Universal, he was followed to the bathroom and shot in the back. "I regret the murder of Aristóteles Sandoval,” said President López Obrador during his morning briefing. “I send my condolences to his family and friends. This murder will be investigated to know the cause, motives and those responsible of the crime." He said Jalisco’s authorities would be in charge of the investigation; however, he offered the help of the National Guard, the Ministry of the Navy and the Ministry of National Defense.

Calls on Mexicans to follow health recommendations. Due to the increase in COVID-19 infections, especially in Mexico City, López Obrador called on all Mexicans to protect themselves and to follow health measures to prevent contagions. “We have to take care of ourselves by keeping a healthy distance and only leaving our homes if it is urgent, necessary or indispensable," he said. López Obrador emphasized that the most important thing is to not jeopardize hospitals’ capacities and therefore, their care of patients, especially as the vaccine is not yet available.

Crimes are decreasing. Deputy of Public Security Ricardo Mejía reported that homicides had decreased 9.3 percent this month compared to November. Moreover, Mejía said that during López Obrador’s mandate, the country has recorded the lowest figures for several crimes, including rape, fraud, armed robbery and extortion. Mejía said that “10 of 11 federal crimes have decreased with the exception of organized crime. In terms of common crimes, 15 of 18 crimes have decreased, of which the most successful case was a decrease of 39 percent in transportation thefts.” He added that the three crimes that increased are feminicide, domestic violence and murder; however, the government is planning actions to reduce these crimes.

Mexico City’s COVID-19 semaphore. The president refused to confirm if Mexico City will return to the epidemiological red light. López Obrador said that Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum would hold a conference today with the Minister and Deputy Minister of Health. "Mexico City’s (status) is decided by the Ministry of Health and the government of Mexico City. My job is only to emphasize the importance of taking better care of ourselves, besides ensuring that no Mexican is left unattended, "he said.

Click HERE for full transcript in Spanish