Says Iberdrola Campaigning Against Him / Trudeau is Aware

Alleges Iberdrola is campaigning against him. President López Obrador said the Spanish company Iberdrola has a monopoly on the energy sold to CFE and is the “hidden hand” behind a campaign against him. “In the case of Iberdrola, they are promoting this campaign clandestinely, because conservatism has these two characteristics: they are very corrupt and they are very hypocritical,” he alleged. López Obrador noted that former President Felipe Calderón became counselor for the energy firm after his presidential term ended, and that was kept secret. During his daily briefing held in Puebla, the president said he is open to dialogue with Iberdrola or any other company.

Addressed mining companies tax situation with Trudeau. President López Obrador said that when he spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last Monday regarding COVID-19, he also addressed the situation of Canadian mining companies that are reluctant to pay their taxes in Mexico. “We are open to dialogue, but we cannot continue forgiving taxes,” he said. The president denied that asking companies to fulfill their obligations would hinder foreign investment or job creation.

Laments slaying of federal judge. After the murder of federal judge Uriel Villegas and his wife in Colima, President López Obrador said his government won’t be intimidated or threatened, and that he will stick to his goal to clean up corruption and bring peace back to the country. The president guaranteed that those responsible would be brought to justice. Minister of Interior (Segob) Olga Sánchez Cordero lamented the crime and said Villegas was only doing his job. “He had some trials involving organized crime characters. It is a sad moment for the entire judiciary, and for me personally,” she said.

Rules out US visit. President López Obrador said he would not travel to the US for the USMCA trade treaty implementation set for early July, given mobility restrictions between the two countries. “We have to wait, but I think it is no longer possible for me to go,” he said. The president applauded the treaty process and that Congress has called for an extraordinary session to review some of the statutes before the treaty enters into force. The president has not traveled abroad since winning the presidency.

No knowledge of CONAPRED. President López Obrador said he learned of the existence of the National Council to Prevent Discrimination (CONAPRED) after an invitation to a CONAPRED forum was issued to YouTuber Chumel Torres, whom López Obrador described as racist. “What is it called? the president said when asked about the topic. He noted that the comedian-youtuber, who is critical of López Obrador, promotes discrimination and must not be invited to such events.

No cartels in Puebla. Puebla Gov. Miguel Barbosa said that there are still violent groups in the state, but no national cartels. “We did not identify a national cartel working or dominating in Puebla, but there are criminal groups as violent as any national cartel,” he said.

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Click HERE for full transcript in Spanish