Mexico Presidents and Prime Ministers
National Flag of Mexico
According to aceinland, the national flag of Mexico is a vertical tricolor featuring three equal vertical bands of green, white and red. The green band is located at the hoist side and the red band is located at the fly side. The white band is located in between them. The current design of the Mexican flag was adopted in 1968 and it has remained unchanged since then. The colors of the flag are symbolic, with green representing hope and joy, white representing purity and innocence, and red representing union and patriotism. The coat of arms which is centered on the white band symbolizes Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1821. The eagle on top of a cactus holding a snake in its beak symbolizes the Aztec legend that states that the gods sent an eagle to lead them to their new home which was to be built atop a cactus with a snake as its base. Overall, this national flag reflects Mexico’s history, culture, traditions, values, and its commitment to unity among all citizens.
Presidents of Mexico
The President of Mexico is the head of state and government of the country, and is elected by popular vote for a single six-year term. The current president is Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who was elected in 2018. Previous presidents include Enrique Peña Nieto (2012-2018), Felipe Calderón (2006-2012), Vicente Fox (2000-2006), Ernesto Zedillo (1994-2000), Carlos Salinas de Gortari (1988-1994), Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado (1982-1988) and José López Portillo (1976-1982).
Each of these presidents has had different approaches to governing Mexico. Under Enrique Peña Nieto, the economy saw significant growth due to his implementation of structural reforms such as labor market liberalization, fiscal consolidation, and energy reform. Felipe Calderón focused on reducing poverty levels and increasing economic growth through his free trade policies and emphasis on technology. Vicente Fox’s administration was focused on economic reforms, such as tax reform and privatization of state owned companies. Ernesto Zedillo sought to reduce inequality by introducing social welfare measures such as pension reform and public health initiatives. Carlos Salinas de Gortari pursued an economic agenda that focused on privatizing state owned companies, liberalizing trade policies and investing in infrastructure projects. Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado implemented a neoliberal economic agenda which included privatization of major industries, austerity measures and deregulation of the financial sector. Finally, José López Portillo was largely responsible for creating Mexico’s modern economy with his focus on industrialization through investment in infrastructure projects like roads, airports, dams and oil refineries.
Enrique Peña Nieto (2012-2018)
Enrique Peña Nieto was the 57th president of Mexico, serving from 2012-2018. He was a member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), and his election marked the return to power of that party after 12 years in opposition. Peña Nieto was born in Atlacomulco, Mexico, and studied law at Universidad Panamericana. He began his political career as a member of the PRI, eventually becoming governor of the state of Mexico from 2005-2011. As president, Peña Nieto sought to enact a series of reforms in an effort to modernize Mexico’s economy and strengthen its democracy. His most notable legislative successes included an energy reform bill that opened up Mexico’s energy sector to private investment, labor reform legislation that increased worker protections and improved job security, and an education reform bill that increased government funding for primary and secondary education. He also signed a historic peace agreement with drug cartels, reducing violence in many parts of the country. Despite these successes, Peña Nieto’s presidency was plagued by several scandals involving corruption among his political allies and family members. His approval ratings dropped significantly over the course of his term due to public discontent with these issues. In 2018 he left office with low approval ratings but without any major scandals or controversies attached to his name.
Prime Ministers of Mexico
The Prime Minister of Mexico is the head of government, and serves as the President’s main advisor. The current Prime Minister is Olga Sánchez Cordero, who was appointed in 2018 by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Previous prime ministers include Miguel Ángel Osorio Chong (2012-2018), Francisco Labastida (1998-2000), Ernesto Zedillo (1994-1998), Carlos Salinas de Gortari (1988-1994), Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado (1982-1988) and José López Portillo (1976-1982).
Each of these prime ministers has had different approaches to governing Mexico. Under Miguel Ángel Osorio Chong, the country saw significant economic growth, partially due to his emphasis on modernizing infrastructure and increasing foreign investment. Francisco Labastida focused on strengthening fiscal policy to reduce public debt and poverty levels through his free trade policies and emphasis on technology. Ernesto Zedillo sought to reduce inequality by introducing social welfare measures such as pension reform and public health initiatives. Carlos Salinas de Gortari pursued an economic agenda that focused on privatizing state owned companies, liberalizing trade policies and investing in infrastructure projects. Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado implemented a neoliberal economic agenda which included privatization of major industries, austerity measures and deregulation of the financial sector. Finally, José López Portillo was largely responsible for creating Mexico’s modern economy with his focus on industrialization through investment in infrastructure projects like roads, airports, dams and oil refineries.
