By Natalia Rueda 
During his recent interview on “60 Minutes,” Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador showed unwavering determination and confidence in his leadership. When asked about the issue of Mexican drug cartels and the proposal to label them as terrorists by some U.S. lawmakers, AMLO firmly rejected that categorization. Instead, he emphasized that the root of the problem lies in the demand for drugs in the United States and that going after the cartels alone would not solve the problem.
President López Obrador expressed deep concern about the increase in fentanyl use in the United States, which claims the lives of 100,000 young people each year. He acknowledged that addressing this problem requires more than attacking drug traffickers. Rather, the real solution lies in addressing drug use within the United States. This stance highlights AMLO’s understanding of the complex and interconnected nature of drug trafficking, which also involves precursor chemicals from Asia and final production in countries such as the United States and Canada.
It is worth noting that President López Obrador also rejected the idea that Mexico is solely responsible for the production and distribution of fentanyl. He recognized that this is a global issue and called for greater collaboration and responsibility among countries to address it. This acknowledgement shows his willingness to address the problem from a broader perspective, rather than blaming only one country.
Despite facing criticism from some U.S. politicians for his approach to fighting drug trafficking, President López Obrador has not wavered in his commitment to non-violence and respect for Mexico’s sovereignty.
He has emphasized that crime and violence in Mexico are directly related to drug trafficking, and his policy of “abrazos, no balazos” (hugs, not bullets) has already shown positive results in reducing crime rates. While challenges remain, President Lopez Obrador’s dedication to combating organized crime and ending impunity in his country gives hope for a lasting solution to the fentanyl crisis. He remains committed to working with other countries to address this issue and achieve a safer future for all.
With information from El Universal