Felipe Calderon is elected President of Mexico after a very close election.

On July 6, 2006, Felipe Calderon was elected as the President of Mexico after a highly contested and close election. This historic event marked a turning point in Mexican politics and had far-reaching implications for the country’s future. In this article, we will explore the details of the election, Calderon’s victory, and the impact of his presidency on Mexico.

The 2006 Mexican presidential election was one of the most hotly contested elections in the country’s history. Felipe Calderon, a member of the National Action Party (PAN) and a former cabinet member, was running against Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD). The election was marred by allegations of fraud and irregularities, which led to a recount of the votes and a protracted legal battle.

Despite the controversy, Felipe Calderon emerged as the winner of the election by a slim margin. He secured around 35.89% of the votes, while Obrador received approximately 35.31%. The difference between the two candidates was less than one percentage point, making it one of the closest elections in Mexico’s history.

Calderon’s victory was seen as a triumph for the PAN, as the party had not held the presidency since Vicente Fox’s tenure from 2000 to 2006. His victory also signaled a continuation of the neoliberal economic policies implemented by Fox, with a focus on free trade, foreign investment, and market-oriented reforms.

During his presidency, Calderon faced numerous challenges, particularly in the areas of security and the economy. One of the defining moments of his presidency was the ongoing war against drug trafficking organizations. Calderon launched a military offensive against the cartels, deploying thousands of troops to various regions affected by drug-related violence. However, this approach also resulted in an increase in violence and human rights abuses.

On the economic front, Calderon implemented various measures to promote economic growth and attract foreign investment. His administration focused on expanding Mexico’s manufacturing sector, improving infrastructure, and pursuing free trade agreements with countries around the world. While these efforts yielded some positive results, Mexico still faced significant economic disparities and challenges related to poverty and inequality.

Calderon also made efforts to address environmental issues during his presidency. He launched several initiatives to promote sustainable development, including the creation of protected natural areas and the implementation of clean energy projects. These efforts were aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of industrialization on the environment and promoting Mexico’s transition to a greener economy.

However, Calderon’s presidency was not without its controversies. His administration faced criticism for its handling of the drug war, which resulted in thousands of deaths and disappearances. There were also allegations of human rights abuses by security forces during the military operations against the cartels. Additionally, Calderon’s economic policies were seen by some as favoring big business and neglecting the needs of the poor and marginalized communities.

Felipe Calderon’s election as the President of Mexico in 2006 marked a significant moment in the country’s political history. His victory in a closely contested election set the stage for his presidency, which was characterized by challenges and controversies. While Calderon implemented various policies aimed at promoting economic growth and addressing environmental issues, his tenure was also marked by the ongoing drug war and allegations of human rights abuses. The impact of Calderon’s presidency continues to shape Mexico’s political landscape and its ongoing struggle with security and inequality.