David Agren
Contributor
El Bronco vs. AMLO: The Fight Is On For Mexico’s Presidential Protest Vote
El Bronco, the country's first independent governor, takes office in Nuevo Leon and amid barbs with Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador — a hint of both men's anti-system presidential aspirations ahead of 2018 election.
The Corruption Crackdown in Guatemala Is Making Mexico Jealous
Ever since Guatemalans ousted and jailed their president in a corruption probe, Mexican observers have grown green with envy over their own country's political shortcomings.
Mexicans Outraged — But Not Surprised — After Crony Clears President in 'White House' Scandal
Enrique Peña Nieto tapped a old party hand and confessed “friend” of his finance minister to investigate conflict of interest allegations, which resulted in all parties being cleared of wrongdoing.
The Swift Rise and Inevitable Political Fall of Mexican National Team Coach Miguel Herrera
Not long ago, El Piojo was a national hero in Mexico. Now, after assaulting a reporter in the Philadelphia airport, he's unemployed.
Mexico’s Dissident Teachers Union CNTE Proves Tough to Tame
The union uses radical tactics and required attendance at protests among its members to pressure federal authorities who want to overhaul Mexico's poorly performing public school system. Will the CNTE ever be satisfied?
So Just How Maverick Is the Mexican Elections Indie Winner ‘El Bronco’?
Turns out "El Bronco" spent thirty years in Mexico's ruling party. But even so, his landslide victory in Nuevo Leon marks a turning point — away from Mexico's political status quo.
In Mexican Politics, the Greens Are ‘Corruption Turned Into a Party’
Acting in ways that are anything but green, Mexico's "ecological" political group blankets cities with its aggressive ads. The Green Party's success is linked to the goals of the ruling PRI and President Enrique Peña Nieto.
Can a President Accused of Corruption Convincingly Push an Anti-Corruption Law? Mexico Is Finding Out
Mexico actually dropped in an international corruption perceptions index after its transition to a multi-party democracy began in 2000.
Mexico's President Appoints a 'Friend' as His New Anti-Corruption Chief
As one headline put it, Mexico's new comptroller has been tasked with investigating his 'friend, his boss, and his boss's wife.' Upon taking office, Virgilio Andrade said he won't be looking into the president's house.
Mexican 'Viceroy' Sent to Pacify Michoacan State Leaves Murky Legacy
Alfredo Castillo was sent to Michoacan one year ago, on personal orders from President Enrique Peña Nieto. Today, local cartel chief 'La Tuta' remains at large and self-defense militias are battling each other in fatal shootouts.
Michoacan, the Birthplace of Mexico's Drug War, Is Still a Violent Quagmire
Troops marched into Michoacan in 2006, then federal forces came again in 2014, in response to a growing militia movement. A year after that, violent attacks, extortion, and impunity pervades across the "Hot Land" region.
Michoacan, Mexico, Breaks Bad — Again — After Shootout Between Rival Militias Kills 11
The son of the founder of the first civilian militia in Michoacan is among the victims. One parish priest tells us: "We used to know who the bad guys were. Now we don't."