New Mexican President Nieto Promises Bright, Safe Future

International opinions regarding the stability of Mexico vary greatly. But even with the most generous of viewpoint, one cannot ignore Mexico’s long lasting drug-related problems. Fortunately for those concerned about such issues, help is said to be on its way. On Monday, December 17, Mexico’s president spoke of his straightforward plan to address drug-related crimes.

Enrique Pen Nieto just started as the country’s president, taking over on the first of December. While no one would necessarily say the previous president, Felipe Calderon, provided terribly small shoes to fill, he definitely gave Nieto quite the task in regards to drug cartels and the clashes they make. Despite Calderon’s efforts to quell violent uprisings, the casualty list numbers over 60,000.

Nieto says it’s time to address this massive, seemingly unending problem. Six years in the making, the situation calls for a “multipronged approach,” says the president. In order to restore Mexico’s economy and societal standing, the government must utilize a complex strategy to address the complex issue.

Nieto and his administration feel that the government’s approach in the past became reactionary. With this in mind, Nieto believes their approach should include preventative, proactive measures. In the future, he plans to implement plans both for the near and long-term future. He plans to equip the government’s justice and security forces with the proper means to prevent, not solely react.

Since 2006, government spending on security rose more than 200%. Despite that allocation of funds, crime rates skyrocketed. Moreover, crimes including kidnapping increased by 83%. Robbery also rose by 65% in the past six years.

Nieto’s plans include detailed strategies to address the drug cartel problem. He has promised to place five centers around the country, which will focus their efforts in controlling uprisings. Additionally, he plans to allot approximately 116 billion pesos (about $9 billion USD) to help young people. Thinking of the root of the violence, he proposes to arrange for full-day school days and overall better public environments.

Nieto and his administration believe that former President Calderon did not see to addressing the source of pressing issues. In seeking to correct the prior administration’s actions, Nieto is planning to anticipate future events. In so doing, he hopes to prevent the self-propelling cycle of violence in Mexico.

In looking to the future, Nieto believes that Mexico will once again stand as a safe and respected nation. Many believe that Nieto’s proposals will help the country regain his safety. Mexicans look forward to the day when they can once again trust their fellow citizens, and most believe that Nieto is the man to lead the way.