Affect of the recent presidential elections

[dongringo]

I've lived in Mexicio, on and off for 15 years since 1962. Things have not changed much, although the Mexican peso is now again more or less the equivalency of 8% of the US dollar which it was for most of its years.

Mexicans are still the foremost in badmouthing their own country and still need no help from outsiders.

Aside from money, almost nothing ever affected my personal life style, and I doubt that it affected Mexican families, unless they hid their cash under mattresses.

Yes, a lot of stuff became more expensive, nevertheless, people kept smiling.
The current murder rate, which is barely above the homicidal rage of Mexico before the 1970's, never bothered anyone. Roads were a *****, but are now mostly comfortable freeways.

Laws made it easier for foreigners to own Mexican properties, and the price of visas quintupled or more.

If had to to see Mexico from a Mexican's viewpoint. Mexico is now better off than ever. That is probably why the recent election produced a new government. It is not better enough to satisfy its burgeoning class of wannabee consumers.

If you asked me, Mexico was better off during the 1970´s, 80´s, when most gave a sh.iit about civil liberties, monopolies, or freedom of the press and the government tried to do a China trick of pulling it's rathole country to a second world level. The in place government failed, after more or less selling off the country, and some FOX bought it.

During all that time, I saw no changes that affected me personally, on a governmental basis, and I expect the new government to continue to be the same.

[polynomial]

Originally Posted by dongringo

If had to to see Mexico from a Mexican's viewpoint. Mexico is now better off than ever.

Yes, things are so good out there that millions of Mexicans are having a party in the streets, celebrating Mexico's future. You should go join them!

[conklinwh]

I guess that I'm sort of a broken record in that there are two things that could and would change lives here and I'm waiting to see what changes if any will occur.
-Will there be a change in how the government tries to deal with the cartels?
-If Pena Nieto gets a majority in the legislature, will he try to open up/take on the monopolies/duopolies that are really negatively impacting Mexico's ability to grow?

BTW, most of my friends here believe nothing will change with the cartels until the US addresses demand. In their view this means legalization/decriminalization. I sort of ask that what will all the foot soldiers do for money if drug money impacted.
As to the monopolies, Pena Nieto has said he will at least address Pemex given the rapid decline in crude and lack of refineries. A start if happened. Calderon tried but didn't have the legislature majority to pull off.

[joaquinx]

Originally Posted by conklinwh

As to the monopolies, Pena Nieto has said he will at least address Pemex given the rapid decline in crude and lack of refineries. A start if happened. Calderon tried but didn't have the legislature majority to pull off.

PAN could never have opened up PEMEX as that would have been a very radical move against a Mexican institution. Whereas, PRI could. PEMEX union is part of the makeup of PRI. PRI is the protector of PEMEX as a wholly owned part of the Mexican patrimony. If PRI decides that it wants to open up PEMEX, this blessing will be supported by the union and the Mexican people.

[conklinwh]

Originally Posted by joaquinx

PAN could never have opened up PEMEX as that would have been a very radical move against a Mexican institution. Whereas, PRI could. PEMEX union is part of the makeup of PRI. PRI is the protector of PEMEX as a wholly owned part of the Mexican patrimony. If PRI decides that it wants to open up PEMEX, this blessing will be supported by the union and the Mexican people.

I don't think anything will happen with retail or production but Mexico really needs help with exploration and that may be a start. Also, I was surprised that someone told me that Mexico does not have refining capability and really needs help to establish a refinery rather that export crude and import gas, etc. Think that you are right about PRI as they nationalized the oil industry and created Pemex as a monopoly. However even PRI understands decreasing revenue and doubt that they can increase gas fast enough to offset the drop in crude recovery.

[joaquinx]

Originally Posted by conklinwh

I don't think anything will happen with retail or production but Mexico really needs help with exploration and that may be a start.

Exploration is where PEMEX needs the most help. Today, there is some foreign companies doing this, but as the risk and cost of exploration goes higher, these companies balk at doing more as the remuneration for their efforts remains at a lower level. I don't believe that we will see Shell stations on the streets and highways of Mexico as PEMEX wants to retain as much control over this resource as they can. I agree that PEMEX will retain control over production and distribution. With the savings from opening exploration to foreigners, investment in production and distribution will, hopefully, be increased.

[conklinwh]

Agreed, agreed, agreed! I did think that NAFTA will require opening gas stations to competitors at some point unless specifically addressed in the treaty.

[Tucson]

[I]As to the monopolies, Pena Nieto has said he will at least address Pemex given the rapid decline in crude and lack of refineries.

Lack of refineries: That would be a top proprity in my book. Mexico now exports their crude to Texas for refinery processing. Then they buy it back. This almost seems like a no-brainer that such a move would be in the best interests of Mexico, regardless of party affiliation.

[dongringo]

Originally Posted by Tucson

[I]As to the monopolies, Pena Nieto has said he will at least address Pemex given the rapid decline in crude and lack of refineries.

Lack of refineries: That would be a top proprity in my book. Mexico now exports their crude to Texas for refinery processing. Then they buy it back. This almost seems like a no-brainer that such a move would be in the best interests of Mexico, regardless of party affiliation.

The Texas refinery, which only processes premium gasoline, is mostly owned by PEMEX

[Isla Verde]

Originally Posted by dongringo

The Texas refinery, which only processes premium gasoline, is mostly owned by PEMEX

That's interesting. My question would be, why is it in Texas and not in Mexico, where it could create jobs for Mexicans?