Mexico’s first presidential debate leading up to the June 2 election faced criticism for its format and technical issues. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador expressed his disapproval of the debate for not being focused on him, as he has compared his administration to the most heroic chapters of Mexican history. He was upset that questions about corruption and problems in education and healthcare were posed, which he believes have been resolved under his administration. Despite this, López Obrador has admitted that corruption cases have still occurred during his term.
The debate questions were submitted by citizens and chosen by the candidates, and each had to select from groups of questions. López Obrador, limited to one six-year term by the Constitution, cannot run for re-election. He was reportedly upset with his party’s candidate, Claudia Sheinbaum, for not defending him enough during the debate. Sheinbaum, running on the ticket of López Obrador’s Morena party, is considered his most loyal disciple and leads in polls for the presidential race. However, her response to a question about handling corruption by focusing on her own anti-graft programs in Mexico City instead of the federal government’s efforts allegedly offended the president.
López Obrador has labeled his administration as “the Fourth Transformation,” claiming it as the successor to Mexico’s most heroic historical chapters. He cites the fight for independence from Spain, the liberal reforms that challenged the church’s dominance, and the Mexican Revolution as the predecessors to his administration. Despite his administration’s efforts to combat corruption, there have been ongoing cases during his tenure. The president has emphasized his focus on completely eliminating corruption during his time in office.
The debate, which featured questions submitted by citizens, was criticized for its restrictive format and technical issues. López Obrador expressed his displeasure at the debate not centering around him and his administration. Questions regarding corruption and issues in education and healthcare were posed during the debate, topics that the president believes have been addressed under his leadership. While he acknowledges that corruption cases have still occurred, López Obrador has emphasized his administration’s commitment to eradicating corruption.
The candidates in the debate were each allowed to choose from groups of questions submitted by citizens. López Obrador, who cannot run for re-election due to constitutional limits, reportedly was unhappy with his party’s candidate, Claudia Sheinbaum, for not defending him vigorously enough during the debate. Sheinbaum, considered López Obrador’s most loyal disciple and leading in polls for the presidential race, focused on her anti-corruption programs in Mexico City rather than praising the federal government. The president took offense to this approach, feeling that Sheinbaum did not sufficiently support his administration during the debate.
