Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has sparked controversy with his recent comments describing violent criminal gangs and drug cartels as “respectful people” who “respect the citizenry” and mostly only kill each other.
This claim starkly contradicts the harsh reality faced by millions of Mexicans living in areas controlled by drug cartels, who often extort protection payments from residents and kidnap or kill those who refuse to pay.
Despite this, López Obrador claimed during a press briefing that drug cartels behave well and only target each other, stating, “Fortunately, the attacks that happen in this country generally occur between (criminal) groups.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (Credits: Power Technology)
They respect the citizenry.” This statement has drawn criticism from those who argue that it downplays the severity of the violence and its impact on innocent civilians, who are often caught in the crossfire or targeted by cartels seeking to expand their territories or settle scores.
The comments came after a reporter asked about his visits to Badiraguato, Sinaloa, the hometown of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, which he has visited several times as president.
Andrés Manuel López Obrador (Credits: Al Jazeera)
López Obrador’s remarks have raised concerns about his administration’s approach to addressing the country’s ongoing security crisis and its impact on ordinary Mexicans, who are demanding greater action to combat the cartels and protect vulnerable communities.
By characterizing the cartels as “respectful” and implying that they only target each other, López Obrador’s comments have been seen as dismissive of the widespread suffering and fear caused by these criminal organizations.
