What Changes Will López Obrador Bring to Mexico?

On July 1, leftist Andrés Manuel López Obrador won more than 53 percent of the vote in Mexico's presidential election—beating his nearest rival, conservative Ricardo Anaya, by more than 30 percentage points. This is the largest margin of victory for a candidate in over 35 years.

In Latin America Advisor's featured Q&A on the takeaways from the election, Partner Luis Rubio Barnetche commented on its possible effects on the Mexican economy and trade relations. In his response, Mr. Rubio highlighted the promises made in the presidential elect's victory speech; López Obrador specified that a "relationship of friendship and cooperation for development" will be sought with the United States in light of the issues of Mexican immigrant rights and protections across the border, while also stating his objective of "strengthening the domestic market" and reduce foreign trade.

"In reality, these two concepts may be difficult to reconcile, said Mr. Rubio. "How can we obtain further cooperation for development and, at the same time, restrict, substitute or impose conditions to replace imports from those countries where cooperation will be sought? This dissonant approach to trade will be one of the key policies to watch in the coming months and years."

READ: What Changes Will López Obrador Bring to Mexico? (Starts on p. 4)