Politics: Airport cancellation raises concerns

MEXICO - Report 05 Nov 2018 by Guillermo Valdes and Francisco González

The decision by President-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador to cancel the construction of the New Mexico City International Airport in Texcoco following a “public consultation” has sparked major public criticism by business leaders and analysts. The obvious questions are why did López Obrador do it and what is the logic underpinning that decision? The clue to the answers is to be found in both his political vision and project.

Criticism has centered on the economic ramifications of the decision, both the high price tag for cancelling the Texcoco airport, construction of which is well underway, as well as how foreign investors will view the decision and its implications for their future projects. Additional concern has been raised on what AMLO’s pledge to hold future binding public consultations of questionable legal validity and that do not adhere to constitutional guidelines represents in terms of his method of governing. Many fear AMLO’s “style” will be authoritarian and based on a permanent mobilization of his supporters with broad implications for the country’s political system, governance and the role of the opposition parties.

Questions have been raised as to whether AMLO’s approach and his very concept of democracy and the struggle against what he conceives to be the "economic and political Mafia" will lead to a dangerous political and social polarization in Mexican society. If the incoming presidential administration continues along the road of pursuing a growing conflict with “the markets,” the country will experience a severe economic decomposition that will weaken the government, not only because of its debilitated finances, but also due to the growing social discontent that can be expected to arise.

The AMLO team is currently involved in a major and public campaign of damage control, with a commission formed, comprised of more moderate members of the President-elect’s inner circle who themselves hail from business circles. The meetings are aimed at placating criticism and concerns raised in the business community and sending a signal domestically and internationally of caution and stability.

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