Enrique Ochoa Reza, new PRI head. (PHOTO: lagazzettadf.com)
MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s ruling party has chosen Enrique Ochoa, the former head of the country’s electricity agency and an ally of President Enrique Peña Nieto, as its new leader, AP reported.
The Institutional Revolutionary Party said Ochoa was the only one to meet all requirements ahead of the deadline and hours later on Tuesday July 12 swore him in as party president. The appointment doesn’t mean Ochoa will be the PRI’s candidate in the 2018 presidential election but it puts him in contention to be.
Ochoa, who recently resigned from the Federal Electricity Commission, replaces Manlio Fabio Beltrones, who stepped down following the party’s dismal showing in state elections in June.
The PRI governed Mexico for more than seven decades until 2000. It regained the presidency in 2012 with the election of Pena Nieto, who in recent months has had the lowest approval rating of any Mexican president in the past two decades. His government has been battered by criticism over corruption, insecurity and human rights issues.
Ochoa is a lawyer and economist with a doctorate in political science from Columbia University.
Analysts said Ochoa was chosen by Pena Nieto to run the party in a practice called the “dedazo,” or “tap of the finger,” in which the current president has a heavy influence within the party.
“It was a ‘dedazo.’ It was a movement by President Enrique Pena Nieto who needs to move the pieces on the table to prepare for the 2018 election,” said Ivonne Acuna, a political analyst at Mexico’s Iberoamericana University.
Ochoa’s appointment is expected to face some resistance inside the PRI for his lack of party experience as well as criticism because the selection was made without consulting party bases.
Source: ap.org
Comments
more recommended stories
Fentanyl: the new “cash cow” that is killing the heroin businessEnrique, wearing braces on his teeth and.
Holiday Inn Express arrives in Playa Del CarmenLooking for an affordable getaway to.
Other countries will benefit from AMLO’s decision to withdraw tourism marketing fundsMexico’s decision to disband its tourism.
SpaceX could test rocket ship built to send people to Mars as early as todaySpaceX, the aerospace company founded by.
Popocatepetl volcano erupts, sending huge ash cloud 1 mile into skyAccording to Yahoo News, Mexico’s Popocatepetl volcano erupted.
Carlos Slim goes after the Brazilian marketCarlos Slim buys Nextel in the.
Yucatan beekeepers in crisisVALLADOLID, Yucatan – The effects of.
Merida´s garbage collectors to focus on proper waste managementThe collection company will present a.
Conservative lawyer Christopher Landau designated as Mexico ambassadorWashington (AFP) – President Donald Trump.
Puerto Morelos expects thousands of tourists during the Holy Week and Easter holidays“The beaches of Puerto Morelos (that.
Leave a Comment