1. Internal conflict in Morena, Mexico’s ruling political party

Senator Mónica Fernández was elected by Morena to succeed Martí Batres as President of the Senate, Batres was seeking re-election.

The election process and the result led to internal debates among Morena members. Senator Martí Batres blamed Ricardo Monreal, Morena’s Senate Coordinator, of “interfering in the internal process.” Monreal replied that members of the party “exercised their right to vote freely.” Furthermore, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador asked Congress to be guided by proper principles and leave behind any personal agendas.

Excélsior: Pide López Obrador serenidad; conflicto de Morena en el Senado

2. As violence rises, discontent among Mexican people increases

The Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System reported a total of 174,452 crime cases in Mexico from January to July, a year-over-year growth of 7.13%.

This sustained increase in violence has led many across Mexico to voice their discontent, with demonstrations against gender-related violence taking place throughout the country over the last week. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador assured that the government is not neglecting the security issue and will make sure the government doesn’t use force against demonstrators drawing attention to the problem.

La Jornada: El gobierno se abstendrá del uso de la fuerza, ratifica AMLO

3. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador recognizes economic growth as a “pending subject” in his administration 

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador attended an economic forum hosted by banking giant Grupo Financiero Banorte, where he highlighted his administration’s efforts to fight corruption and the implementation of austerity policies within the government.

On the other hand, President López Obrador assured there will be more economic growth and fair development. Measured economic growth was celebrated by the government and criticized by the opposition. Now, the administration promotes strong ties with the private sector.

Milenio: Crecimiento económico es una asignatura pendiente, reconoce AMLO

4. State will take care of people’s security, not vigilante groups: President Andrés Manuel López Obrador 

Media reports revealed the Interior Secretary reached out to armed crime groups. The Secretariat denied such meetings took place, but Undersecretary of Interior Ricardo Peralta declared he held a meeting with Juan Manuel Mireles, leader of self-defense vigilante groups in Michoacán in order to pacify some areas of the country.

Michoacán Governor Silvano Aureoles and President Andrés Manuel López Obrador condemned this action. The President emphasized that the State will take care of people’s security as a constitutional obligation, as opposed to that of vigilante groups.

El Economista: El Estado debe garantizar la seguridad, no las autodefensas: AMLO

5. Federal judge orders to halt construction works of Santa Lucía’s Airport, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador denounces political pressure  

A federal judge ordered a halt to the construction of the airport in Santa Lucía military base due to the environmental impact the works would cause. The Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources acknowledged the potential damages.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador assured he will respect the decision of the judge and denounced political pressure from the opposition promoting writs of protection (amparos) against the construction. The President reasserted he will put an end to the link between political power and economic power.

Excélsior: Santa Lucía es un asunto meramente político: López Obrador