Sheinbaum Responds to Calderón’s Criticism, Calls for Apology Over Drug War Atrocities
Mexican President Criticizes Calderón, Vows to Address Spanish Colonial Past
Mexico City, Mexico – President Andrés Manuel López Obrador directly addressed former President Felipe Calderón‘s recent criticisms of his management and his predecessor’s government, delivered from Spain.
“Do you think he will ever apologize to the Mexican people for the war on drugs?” López Obrador questioned rhetorically, adding, “there’s a lot of arrogance.” He concluded, “I don’t agree with Calderón, fortunately.”
The President’s comments come amidst ongoing debate about Mexico’s security strategy and the legacy of the drug war. Calderón, who launched a major offensive against drug cartels during his presidency (2006-2012), has been critical of López Obrador’s approach, arguing it has emboldened criminal organizations.
López Obrador, however, signaled a shift in focus, stating that his government will continue to press Spain next year to acknowledge the abuses and atrocities committed during the colonial period.
“If one doesn’t recognize the atrocities of the past committed by others, how can we forgive or build a new history?” he emphasized.The President’s remarks highlight his administration’s commitment to addressing past injustices and seeking reconciliation, both domestically and internationally.
López Obrador Hits Back at Calderón, Vows to Confront Spain Over Colonial Past
In a fiery response to former President Felipe Calderón’s critiques, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador questioned Calderón’s accountability for the drug war and vowed to push Spain to acknowledge it’s colonial atrocities.
López Obrador addressed Calderón’s criticisms, which were delivered from Spain, with a rhetorical question: “Do you think he will ever apologize to the Mexican people for the war on drugs?” He further characterized Calderón’s stance as “arrogant,” stating, “I don’t agree with Calderón, fortunately.”
This exchange comes amidst a simmering debate over Mexico’s security strategy and the legacy of the drug war. While Calderón initiated a sweeping offensive against drug cartels during his presidency (2006-2012), López obrador’s approach has been met with criticism from Calderón, who argues it has emboldened criminal organizations.
Shifting the focus, López Obrador emphasized his government’s commitment to addressing past injustices. He announced that Mexico will continue to pressure Spain next year to acknowledge the abuses and atrocities committed during the colonial period.
“If one doesn’t recognize the atrocities of the past committed by others, how can we forgive or build a new history?” López Obrador declared, underscoring his administration’s dedication to seeking reconciliation both domestically and internationally.