AMLO's first 100 days: mixed signals

Abstract

Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) became Mexico's president on 1 December 2018. Despite some signs of tension, 100 days later his approval rates surpass 80 per cent. It is too early to see signs of the transformation he proclaimed to start. Yet, his approach to solving Mexico's toughest problems and his political communication style differentiate from previous governments. The priorities for the new government -and those where voters expect delivery- are social policies and internal security. While domestic and foreign investors are on edge after AMLO's campaign assertions that he would backpedal on some of the reforms made by the previous government, the peso has been stable and his government has pledged to continue pursuing multilateralism and open markets. Still, anxieties among investors might affect the prospects of the Mexican economy just as much as the government's actions do. Migration is a complex phenomenon in Mexico, occupying the headlines for the last five months due to caravans hailing from Central America. Policies to deal with migration are undergoing change because of that. At the same time, migration is becoming a nodal point to connect the government's plans for infrastructure development for the impoverished south of the country with its foreign policy projections in the region. Despite fundamental change in other areas, the new government's agenda so far has omitted concerns for gender equality, the environment, or the risks of the military gaining a stronger hold on the security apparatus. AMLO's plans enjoy ample support, but his style bears mixed signals for democracy. As he seeks popular backing by both institutional and extra-institutional means, participation and accountability may grow at the expense of checks and balances. Internal and international actors should play a supportive role for this government's aims, yet also to attentively check the methods used - especially regarding the implementation of social and internal security policies.