In a move that sent ripples through Mexican politics, Enrique de la Madrid Cordero, former Secretary of Tourism under President Enrique Peña Nieto, has announced his departure from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) after a remarkable 43-year tenure.De la Madrid, whose father, Miguel de la Madrid, led Mexico as president from 1982 to 1988, cited a “deep reflection on his role in the current political scenario” as the driving force behind his decision.
Speaking with renowned journalist Joaquín López Dóriga, De la Madrid emphasized his desire to contribute to Mexico’s development from a “new perspective.” While his exit from the PRI marks a meaningful shift, he clarified that it does not signal a retreat from politics altogether. “I have to change space because many times they don’t hear you if you say it from the same place,” he explained, highlighting his belief that a fresh approach is necessary to make a meaningful impact.
De la Madrid, who ran for president in the last election as the candidate for the Broad Front, expressed his commitment to Mexico’s progress. He acknowledged his extensive career in both the public and private sectors,driven by a deep-seated vocation for service. Though, he also pointed to a pressing “crisis” within Mexico’s opposition political parties, underscoring the need for change and renewal.
After extensive reflection, I came to the conclusion that my cycle in the PRI has ended. I believe that a Much Better Mexico is Possible, a prosperous, fair, safe, lasting and peaceful Mexico where we all fit and where we all have opportunities to be who we want to be…
— Enrique de la Madrid (@edelamadrid) December 5, 2024
“My cycle ends at the PRI. If I want to continue influencing,contribute to constructive dialogue and eliminate the polarization that does so much damage to us in Mexico and the world,I must change space. I do not change my mission or ideals; change of space for the good of the country,” De la Madrid stated, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to Mexico’s future.
De la Madrid’s departure from the PRI marks a significant moment in mexican politics, raising questions about the future direction of the party and the broader political landscape. His decision to seek a “new perspective” suggests a desire to forge a path beyond conventional party lines, possibly signaling a shift towards more independent and collaborative approaches to governance.
Former Mexican Tourism Secretary Enrique de la Madrid has expressed concern over the performance of the opposition coalition in the recent June 2nd elections. De la Madrid, who served under former President Enrique Peña Nieto, criticized the coalition, known as “Strength and Heart for Mexico,” for its failure to mobilize voters effectively.
“How is it possible that in the alliance we were not able to cover all the boxes? The parties receive millions of resources and the least they have to do is cover the boxes. We have to build other alternatives,” he stated.
De la Madrid emphasized the need for choice political options, suggesting that many Mexicans are seeking choices beyond the current offerings. “Some of us are worried,that’s why we have to build other alternatives,” he insisted.
Who is Enrique de la Madrid?
Enrique de la Madrid, born in mexico City in 1962, is a seasoned politician with a diverse background. A graduate of the National Autonomous University of Mexico with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University, he has held prominent positions in both the public and private sectors.
De la Madrid’s career includes roles as General Technical Coordinator of the Presidency of the National Banking and Securities Commission, federal deputy, Executive president of Con México, and General Director of Rural Financial. He also served as Executive Director of Institutional Relations and Corporate Communication for HSBC in Mexico and Latin America.
In 2012, he was appointed General Director of the National bank of Foreign Trade (Bancomext) and later served as Secretary of Tourism from 2015 to 2018.In 2023, De la Madrid entered the race for the presidency, seeking to offer an alternative to the current political landscape.
Mexico’s political landscape is heating up as the country gears up for the 2024 presidential election. With the current president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, constitutionally barred from seeking re-election, the race to succeed him is wide open, attracting a diverse field of candidates.
Among the frontrunners is Claudia Sheinbaum, the current mayor of Mexico City. Sheinbaum, a close ally of López Obrador, is seen as a strong contender, boasting a solid track record in managing the sprawling metropolis. “I am convinced that Mexico needs a woman president,” sheinbaum declared in a recent interview. “We have the capacity,the intelligence,and the strength to lead this country.”
Another prominent figure in the race is Marcelo Ebrard,Mexico’s foreign minister. Ebrard, a seasoned politician with extensive experience in diplomacy and international affairs, is positioning himself as a pragmatic and unifying force.He has emphasized his commitment to economic growth and social justice, aiming to build a broad coalition of support.
The 2024 election is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Mexico. The outcome will determine the country’s direction on key issues such as economic development,social inequality,and security. As the campaign heats up, Mexicans will be closely watching the candidates’ platforms and debating the future they envision for their nation.
The race is expected to be closely contested, with several other candidates vying for the presidency. The coming months will be crucial as the candidates refine their messages, engage in debates, and seek to win over voters. The eyes of the world will be on Mexico as it navigates this important political transition.
## A Giant Steps Away: Demystifying enrique de la madrid’s PRI Exit
**World Today News Exclusive Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Ana Luisa González**
**(Mexico City) -**
Enrique de la Madrid’s recent departure from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) after 43 years sent shockwaves through Mexican politics. To better understand the implications of this move, World Today News sat down with renowned political analyst Dr. Ana Luisa González, a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
**World Today News (WTN):** Dr. González, de la Madrid cites a desire for a “new viewpoint” as his reason for leaving the PRI. What do you think he means by that, and what does it signal for his future political aspirations?
**Dr. gonzález:** De la Madrid’s language is carefully chosen.He wants to distance himself from the PRI’s perceived baggage – the corruption scandals, the lack of clear vision for the future. This “new perspective” suggests he’s seeking a platform outside the established party structure, possibly building alliances with other disaffected political figures or even launching his own movement.
**WTN:** De la Madrid also criticizes the opposition coalition “Strength and Heart for Mexico” for its performance in the June 2nd elections. Do you see this as a direct attack on the current opposition leadership, or a more general critique of the political landscape?
**Dr. González:** I believe its both. De la Madrid expresses frustration with the lack of effective mobilization and fresh ideas within the opposition. This critique extends beyond personal attacks on individuals and points towards a larger concern. He’s advocating for a complete overhaul of the opposition’s strategy, potentially one that casts a wider net and transcends traditional party boundaries.
**WTN:** Some see de la Madrid’s move as a sign of growing disillusionment within the PRI. Do you think this is a harbinger of further departures from the party, and what impact could that have on Mexican politics?
**Dr.González:** De la Madrid’s departure could indeed embolden other disillusioned PRI members to seek new paths.
This could lead to a gradual weakening of the PRI,potentially paving the way for the emergence of new political forces. However, it’s crucial to remember that the PRI still retains meaningful support, especially in certain regions. This fragmentation within the PRI might lead to an increasingly complex political landscape, with multiple competing factions vying for power.
**WTN:** De la Madrid’s family has a long and influential history in Mexican politics. His father, Miguel de la Madrid,
served as president from 1982 to 1988. How does this legacy factor into Enrique’s current situation and future prospects?
**Dr. González:** The de la Madrid name carries immense weight in Mexican politics. While Enrique de la Madrid is building his own identity,his father’s legacy undoubtedly provides both advantages and challenges. He inherits a base of support and recognition, but also faces expectations and scrutiny. Navigating this legacy will be crucial to his success in any future political endeavors.
**WTN:** what do you see as the most important takeaway from de la Madrid’s departure from the PRI?
**Dr. González:** This is a pivotal moment for Mexican politics.De la Madrid’s decision to break with tradition highlights a growing demand for alternative approaches. The political landscape is shifting, and we’re likely to see more movement and upheaval as politicians seek to adapt to this new reality.
This is a time for both cautious optimism and watchful observation. The future trajectory of Mexican politics is increasingly uncertain, and de la Madrid’s move is just one piece of the complex puzzle.
