President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico made controversial statements on Thursday, asserting that the country's violent criminal gangs and drug cartels are essentially 'respectful people' who primarily target each other and 'respect the citizenry.' These claims have sparked debate and criticism, as they contradict the harsh reality faced by millions of Mexicans living in areas controlled by drug cartels.
During a visit to the township of Badiraguato, Sinaloa, López Obrador was asked about the behavior of drug cartels, to which he responded affirmatively, stating that they 'always' behave well and are 'respectful,' with occasional encounters with 'strange' individuals.
The president's remarks come in the context of his administration's approach to combating cartel violence, which focuses on job training programs for youths as an alternative to confrontational tactics. López Obrador's 'Hugs, not bullets' strategy aims to address the root causes of criminality, such as poverty and lack of opportunities.
Despite López Obrador's assertions, experts and rights activists point to the widespread impact of cartel violence on Mexican society, including forced displacement, extortion, and targeted killings of individuals who resist cartel demands. Clandestine grave sites across Mexico serve as grim reminders of the brutality inflicted by drug cartels.
Furthermore, the president's recent declaration that Mexico will prioritize its own interests over external pressures, particularly from the United States, underscores his administration's stance on national sovereignty and non-interference in foreign affairs.
López Obrador's reluctance to engage in direct confrontations with cartels has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing his approach as pragmatic and others criticizing it as downplaying the severity of the security crisis. The president's emphasis on negotiation and peace-building efforts, including involving the Catholic church in conflict resolution, reflects his broader strategy of seeking non-violent solutions to cartel-related challenges.
As Mexico grapples with ongoing cartel violence and its societal repercussions, López Obrador's statements and policies continue to shape the country's approach to addressing organized crime and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
