Economist Podcasts AMLO and behold: Mexico’s president tries to tackle corruption
Nov 29, 2019
Ryan Avent, an economics writer for The Economist, discusses Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and his ambitious anti-corruption campaign. While the president enjoys high popularity, Avent critiques the systemic issues that remain. They also delve into randomized controlled trials in economics, exploring their effectiveness in tackling poverty despite ethical concerns. Additionally, the conversation highlights the potential of caterpillars and grasshoppers as sustainable protein sources in Congo's vibrant market, showcasing innovative approaches to global food challenges.
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AMLO's Unfulfilled Promises
- AMLO won a landslide victory in Mexico, promising to tackle corruption, violence, and poverty.
- Despite maintaining high approval ratings, there's little evidence of the promised reforms.
Symbolic Arrests
- AMLO arrested a former cabinet secretary accused of stealing a large sum, seemingly fulfilling his anti-corruption pledge.
- Richard Ansar suggests this is a common political tactic in Mexico, creating an illusion of progress without actual institutional change.
Institutional Irony
- Ironically, the previous, more corrupt administration made institutional anti-corruption progress.
- AMLO, despite campaigning on anti-corruption, hasn't prioritized these institutions, leading to pessimism among activists.