Protests Fail to Stop Mexico's Oil Reform, But Leftists Gain Ground Mauricio Savarese - RT.com
go to original December 17, 2013

Plunder Wonder: Privatization of Mexico's oil sparks mass protests (RussiaToday)

About 75 years ago, iconic Mexican president Lazaro Cardenas nationalized the oil industry in a move that caused shockwaves above the River Grande.

The foreign companies had to go, but not without being compensated with money, cattle, chicken and anything of value there was. That is why state-owned Pemex is so endearing to average Mexicans – they feel they own the company.

Well, not anymore.

Thanks to conservative President Enrique Peña Nieto, known by Mexicans as EPN, the Mexican oil industry is open to internationals again. That didn’t happen without spending some political capital – an asset that leaders usually have in their first year in office. But by his joining rivals PAN, a liberal party that elected his predecessors, Mexicans are confused: do they have a real choice in elections?

Even worse: if Pemex is seen as a harbor for corrupted officials, how could opening it up for foreigners stop the bleeding? How can Mexico become Latin America’s powerhouse again when the president spends more enthusiasm in the energy reform than in an anti-corruption bill? That is the question that made many Mexicans take to the streets in protests, mostly led by left-wing parties.

Read the rest at RT.com

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