In our long history of writing México Desde Afuera we have never experienced such a crazy 24 hours prior to hitting the send button. But don’t worry. We still got you. We’re breaking down the Salvador Cienfuegos drama, which we promise is better than the next season of Narcos (even if it will star Bad Bunny).
Did AMLO outmaneuver Trump?
The New York Times
What happened? On Wednesday, at the request of US Attorney General William Barr, a federal judge in NY declared that the charges brought against general Salvador Cienfuegos, the former Defence Minister, would be dismissed.
Mexican Foreign Affairs Minister (and future President) Marcelo Ebrard, explained that Cienfuegos has no charges against him in Mexico right now, although the AG office has started an investigation against him … but will Cienfuegos remain in Mexico (or even show up at all) to await possible new charges? When asked if he agreed to voluntarily depart the custody of US marshals, he unsurprisingly responded, “Sí señora”.
A bit of background After a fruitful multi year investigation, Cienfuegos was arrested at the Los Angeles Airport on drug trafficking charges (we brought you that story here a few weeks ago). The US Ambassador informed the Mexican government AFTER the arrest had taken place… this really pissed off AMLO, who criticised the arrest and the investigation as a violation to Mexico’s sovereignty. Also, the President, who has advocated for a stronger and more active role of the military, repeatedly emphasized that the prestige of the Mexican Army was being tarnished - clearing the charges against the former Minister would also help him maintain his good relationship with the Armed Forces.
“There is no impunity for anyone, but at the same time crimes will not be allowed to be fabricated,” he said. “There must be support, evidence — no person can be the victim of an injustice.” said AMLO.
So.. how did Mexico get the US to back off? At Wednesday's Press Conference, the Foreign Affairs Minister gave a lengthy (BS) explanation about how the US had chosen to continue their long-standing relationship of cooperation with Mexico on security matters… According to the New York Times, Mexico achieved this by threatening the to expel American federal drug agents (DEA) from the country .. now that sounds more like it.
Now what? Even though Cienfuegos is back in Mexico as a free man (yes,he landed last night!), the US government, under a Biden administration, can still bring new charges against Cienfuegos - based on new evidence. Did AMLO really win the battle or did he show his cards to his next opponent?
⛈️ Southern Mexico has been underwater for over a week
… and it might continue to stay that way in the upcoming days
The southern states of Tabasco, Chiapas and Veracruz have experienced heavy rain caused by Hurricane Gamma and Tropical Storm Eta. This, alongside a government’s miscalculation in the Peñitas Dam administration, caused major flooding, especially in Tabasco, the President’s home state.
The government had to face a tough decision on whether to allow Villahermosa, the state’s capital, to be flooded, “or to direct excess water to poorer, more sparsely populated indigenous areas” - it chose the latter. As the local population is still struggling, and accepting donations through the Red Cross, tropical storm Lota is expected to bring in further rain. Associated Press
🇨🇳 Chinese drug lords in Mexico?
Yes, this is an article by Fox News blaming China for US problems but they do have a couple of good points. In recent years, Chinese drug lord’s presence in Mexico has been increasing. One of the criminal groups, “Los Zhengs”, operates through “seemingly legitimate shell companies” and use Mexican ports in the Pacific, to traffic their products. This is one of the reasons why the current Mexican administration passed a bill to militarise the port administration.
According to the DEA and local authorities (who love cooperating together), Chinese cartels have focused on the export of fentanyl, a drug up to 100 times more potent than heroin. Fox News (it’s a one time thing, we promise)
🏫 Children of El Chapo build makeshift school for the poor
“Los Chapitos”, made up of some of El Chapo’s children, lead a wing of the Sinaloa cartel that is famous for once having laid siege to Culiacan’s state capital to free their sibling, Ovidio Guzman. Recently, they have a different kind of reputation, after building a school in the impoverished town of Quinonez, where many children had stopped studying altogether during the pandemic. An estimated 70-90 children are now able to take TV or internet based classes at the new school with the help of volunteer teachers. The building is branded with JDL, El Chapo’s initials. Reuters
👷 AMLO presents bill to ban outsourcing
After years and years of employers using the outsourcing scheme to avoid paying their legal obligations, the President presented a bill that would essentially eliminate such practices. In his press conference, his Labor Secretary cited the case of a hotel in Cancun that had over 800 workers, but only two were formally registered - many of the others were kept on three-month contracts, being “rehired” in order to prevent them from accumulating seniority (and benefits). Business groups warned that a total ban could threaten the loss of legitimate and properly paid jobs - but they were really just pissed that AMLO didn’t invite them to draft the bill. Associated Press
🌿 Mexico, one step closer in legalizing weed
As previously reported by us, federal lawmakers are rushing to meet a December 15 deadline set by the Supreme Court to legalize the production, sale and consumption of marijuana. Yesterday (Nov. 18) the bill was passed by the Senate committees in charge of the matter and will likely be voted by the entire Senate this week. The bill will allow users to carry up to 28 grams and plant up to four cannabis plants in their homes. Reuters
Coming to theatres, next Christmas. Starring Foreign Affairs Minister, Marcelo Ebrard, Attorney General, Alejandro Gertz Manero, Defence Minister, Luis Cresencio Sandoval and President López Obrador
About México Desde Afuera
México Desde is your one stop shop newsletter that brings you the biggest news about Mexico reported by the Foreign Press. If you want to get this newsletter (and a bit of sarcasm) delivered every week straight to your inbox, please subscribe.
Comments on this newsletter?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to share them by replying to this email.
AMLO’s quote: “The government of Mexico is not the dummy of any foreign government”
Some context: AMLO was defending his decision to not congratulate Joe Biden for his victory… he still hasn’t