Economist Podcasts Contrary to popular opinion: Mexico’s president
Feb 22, 2021
Sarah Burke, Mexico bureau chief for The Economist, shares her expertise alongside Ryan Avend, author of Free Exchange. They unpack the enigma of President López Obrador's continued popularity despite policy failures and a rising health crisis. The discussion touches on the intersection of governance and corruption and the urgent need to integrate biodiversity into economic models. They also explore the challenges in conversational AI, highlighting the pursuit of human-like interactions as technology continues to evolve.
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AMLO's Popularity Amidst Challenges
- Mexico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) faces COVID-19 surge, poverty, corruption, and crime rise.
- Despite these challenges, AMLO maintains remarkably high approval ratings.
AMLO's Approval Ratings
- AMLO won by a landslide in 2018 and retains a 62% approval rating.
- This is despite his questionable handling of the pandemic, including downplaying its severity and refusing to wear a mask.
AMLO's Policy Reversals
- AMLO has abolished lauded programs like Prospera and reversed education reforms.
- He is also attempting to reverse the 2013 energy market opening, favoring state-owned providers.