Cablegate: Media Reaction - Mexico, Presidential Election Aftermath
VZCZCXYZ0010
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHSG #1462 1911150
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 101150Z JUL 06
FM AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9554
INFO RUEHME/AMEMBASSY MEXICO 1059
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 0998
UNCLAS SANTIAGO 001462
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR IIP/G/WHA, INR/R/MR, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, INR/IAA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO CI VE MX
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - MEXICO, PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AFTERMATH
1. On July 7, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ. 102,000)
carried a column by Alvaro Vargas Llosa entitled, "Calderon's
Difficult Challenges." Quote:
"Calderon's victory is a counterweight against populism. We must not
forget that Calderon's campaign frontally opposed populism, not just
with respect to Lopez Obrador, but also (Venezuelan President Hugo)
Chavez.... For an important part of Mexico's left, Lopez Obrador
was a way to weaken ties with the U.S. and strengthen them with a
South America where the left has made significant progress.
Calderon has praised Chile and has spoken about strengthening ties
with Brazil and Central America, where the moderate left and the
center-right prevail. But Latin America's left will fall on Calderon
sooner or later as it did on Fox. What remains to be seen is if
Calderon will form a tacit alliance with other countries or will
choose to endure the attack alone, as did Fox to some degree."
2. On July 7, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ. 102,000)
ran an editorial entitled "Mexican Election, A Test for Its
Institutions." Quote:
"Taking into account Mexico's size, its population, and the number
of voters--over 41 million--Congress' fragmentation, and a six-year
presidential term, it is not hard to conclude that Mexico does not
have the best scenario for political stability and government
efficiency. Mexico is an important actor in Latin America, which is
why it must have the mechanisms and institutions to promote good
government.... From the regional viewpoint, Mexico should have
leaders that favor moderation. Given Latin America's current
configuration, moderation is a condition of special interest to
Chile, which has many elements to cultivate with Mexico, in addition
to a political strategic alliance."
3. On July 7, conservative, influential newspaper-of-record "El
Mercurio" (circ. 116,807) ran an editorial entitled, "The Disputed
Mexican Election." Quote:
"The international community has closely followed Mexico's election
and is watching with special concern Lopez Obrador's reaction, which
could create instability and damage Mexico's reputation and
influence. We must note that the shadow of Venezuelan President
Hugo Chavez--with whom the leftist Mexican candidate sought ties
during the campaign--lingers over this election and over Latin
America in a sort of regional 'Cold War.'"
KELLY